E.J. Dionne: A hard choice on health care

[fencesitter]

(edited for copyright purposes-proud patriot Moderator Democratic Underground)


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111122256.html?nav=rss_opinion/columns

For some years, Democrats have denounced parodies that cast their party as utterly closed to the views of those who oppose abortion. Last weekend, Democrats proved conclusively that they are, indeed, a big tent -- and many in the ranks are furious.

From the outraged comments of the abortion-rights movement, you'd think that Rep. Bart Stupak's amendment to the House version of the health-care bill would all but overturn Roe v. Wade.

No, it wouldn't. The Michigan Democrat's measure -- passed 240 to 194, with 64 Democrats voting yes -- would prohibit abortion coverage in the public option and bar any federal subsidies for plans that included abortion purchased on the new insurance exchanges.

Stupak argues that the federal government has stayed out of the business of financing abortion since passage of the Hyde Amendment in 1976 and that none of the policies available on the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program covers elective abortion. The structures that reform would create, he says, should carry the same restrictions, which do not apply in cases involving rape or incest or when a mother's life is in danger.

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E.J. makes me feel a bit better about this whole thing, but you know, the co-author or this amendment, my congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA), who somehow keeps getting re-elected, will not vote for any form of health care bill anyway, so why put this amendment in the bill, then vote against it even if it is accepted? His office can't explain that one to me.