WASHINGTON, Sep 29, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The debate over U.S. healthcare
reforms has expanded to include arguments over how abortion procedures will be
dealt with, observers say.
Some moderate Democrats have expressed support for conservatives seeking to bar
millions of low- and middle-income people who would receive federal subsidies to
buy insurance policies from purchasing plans that cover elective abortions, The
New York Times reported Tuesday.
Pro-choice advocates, however, warn that it such a move is made, it would likely
eliminate existing coverage for such procedures from the marketplace,
effectively ending coverage for millions of women who have it now.
Those who want to eliminate abortion coverage cite a 30-year-old ban on the use
of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortions. Those on both sides of the
issue are watching President Barack Obama, who made a campaign pledge to support
abortion rights, but who has also said his healthcare reforms would not provide
subsidies for elective abortions, the Times said.
Lawmakers told the newspaper the latest version of the bill requires insurers to
use only money from private sources to pay for abortions, but abortion opponents
contend that would still help people afford health coverage that includes
abortion coverage.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International