The Nov. 12 article, “Women face tough choices on abortion coverage” discusses some of the implications and uncertainties surrounding the Stupak amendment to the House version of the health care reform bill.
This amendment prohibits millions of women from buying (with their own money) private health insurance which provides full reproductive health care benefits.
It is not an extension of the current law, which forbids the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. It in fact restricts private insurance companies participating in the insurance exchange from offering abortion coverage if even one of their policy holders receives a federal subsidy.
The suggestion that women can buy a separate rider is a red herring. Such policies do not exist at present; furthermore, no one expects an unplanned pregnancy or one with severe medical complications.
The Senate is considering their version of the health care bill now. We must let our senators know that the Stupack amendment is not acceptable to the majority of the American people.
Priscilla Newberger
Corvallis
This amendment prohibits millions of women from buying (with their own money) private health insurance which provides full reproductive health care benefits.
It is not an extension of the current law, which forbids the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. It in fact restricts private insurance companies participating in the insurance exchange from offering abortion coverage if even one of their policy holders receives a federal subsidy.
The suggestion that women can buy a separate rider is a red herring. Such policies do not exist at present; furthermore, no one expects an unplanned pregnancy or one with severe medical complications.
The Senate is considering their version of the health care bill now. We must let our senators know that the Stupack amendment is not acceptable to the majority of the American people.
Priscilla Newberger
Corvallis
I've already signed a petition.
ReplyDelete