How long before the senate also caves on abortion?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091109/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul

Abortion could roil Senate health care debate

WASHINGTON – Abortion opponents in the Senate are seeking tough restrictions in the health care overhaul bill, a move that could roil a shaky Democratic effort to pass President Barack Obama's signature issue by year's end.

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Monday it's unlikely he could support a bill that doesn't clearly prohibit federal dollars from going to pay for abortions. His spokesman said Nelson is weighing options, including offering an amendment that's similar to the one passed by the House.

The House-passed restrictions were the price Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had to pay to get a health care bill passed, on a narrow 220-215 vote. But it's prompted an angry backlash from liberals, some of whom are now threatening to vote against a final bill if the curbs stay in.

An intraparty fight over abortion is the last thing that Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., needs. Reid is already facing a revolt among moderates over the government-sponsored health plan that liberals want to incorporate in the legislation as a competitor to private insurance companies. Reid, who is himself opposed to abortion, will have to face the issue directly as he puts together a Democratic bill for floor consideration.

[Aramchek]

1. Did you really think this Bill would provide Federal funding for Abortion?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Of course not. The Dems will cave again in the face of the least opposition.

My bet is that the surrender to the right is already a done deal.

[fascisthunter]

5. yes, because it should

and I'm male... I support women's right to maintain their health, and their right to chose whether they want to have a child or not. It's a health issue that some women don't have much of a choice, besides dying from birth complications. I believe women should have that choice... and I do think it should be considered without prejudice. If you don't, don't ever expect anybody around you to respect your choices, even if it is in regard to your own body.

One's health should NEVER be dictated by someone else's morals.

[Aramchek]

6. but the amendment allows for abortions when the mother's health is at risk.

haven't read it yet, have you?

[Lars39]

11. Wrong, not her health...only to prevent death.

A woman is shit out of luck if her preventable health problems aren't life threatening.

[Aramchek]

14. you can play with words all you like. you know what the amendment says.

Healthcare Reform was never an attempt to subsidize abortions.

Those who are attempting to make it into this are risking the whole Bill for something it was never designed to do.

[Lars39]

16. Health is not the same as life.

There is a vast difference.

[Aramchek]

19. The Government will not subsidize abortion. That is a fact.

[Avalux]

8. The bill limits private funds as well. It's a back door way to outlaw abortions.

I have no problem with federal funds being kept out of it, but when a private health insurance plan that I pay for isn't allowed to cover abortion services, there's a MAJOR problem.

[Aramchek]

10. no, it doesn't. look at the amendment.

private insurance for abortions is allowed.
it just cannot be paid for with the subsidy.

If you have a plan paid for with a subsidy, you must purchase a supplemental plan with your own funds for abortion coverage.

(b) OPTION TO PURCHASE SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE OR PLAN - Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting any nonfederal entity (including an individual or a State or local government) form purchasing separate or supplemental coverage for abortions for which funding is prohibited under this section, or a plan that includes such abortions, so long as-
(1) Such coverage or plan is paid for entirely using funds not authorized or appropriated by this Act; and
(2) Such coverage or plan is not purchased using-
(A) individual premium payments required for an Exchange-participating health benefits pan towards which an affordability credit is applied; or
(B) other nonfederal funds required to receive a federal payment, including State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid matching funds.
http://documents.nytimes.com/the-stupak-amendment#p=3

[Avalux]

13. Thank you.

I was misinformed; someone told me private ins. was limited as well.

[Aramchek]

15. I understand, a lot of disinfo is being thrown around.

Those spreading it are doing us all a great disservice.

Thank you for not being one of them.

[bain_sidhe]

17. No, you were correctly informed

If even *one* person buys a plan in the exchange with subsidized funds, that plan CANNOT cover abortion. Since any eligible person can buy any plan in the exchange, NO plan in the exchange can cover abortion, regardless of whether the rest of the purchasers use subsidies or not.

[cali]

18. grrr. this amendment prevents women from accessing coverage for abortion from PRIVATE

insurance companies that receive ANY public funding whatsoever.

[DJ13]

2. Just another wedge issue delivered up by the right & the MSM

Anything to distract from the real issues within the possible bill to be voted on so the masses dont find out how badly they might get screwed before its too late.

[Warpy]

4. Maybe a nanosecond

Throwing half the population under the bus is the bone they're tossing to Republicans.

It's not going to work. I can't think of a single Republican in the Senate who will vote for this and that includes Lieberman, Bayh and Ben Nelson.

[optimator]

7. I think Democrats want to be the minority party, seriously

Forcing young people to buy private insurance and denying women equal coverage.....
They must WANT to lose next year.

[Are_grits_groceries]

9. You'll need to get

in 'the Wayback Machine' to find that moment I am afraid.

[valerief]

12. How fast can you blink? nt

[Selatius]

20. The politically expedient thing to do is to cave on the abortion question.

I feel that the Senate Democratic leadership will run away on the issue rather than fight.