Get E-Mail Updates

God's Politics Blog

Washington Update: Abortion Funding Not in Health-Care Bill

by Sojourners Policy Team 07-31-2009 | 7:30pm
Print
26 Comments | Login or Register to post comments

The health-care reform debate in Washington, D.C., has many components, but one that has drawn enormous attention from the pro-life community is a concern over whether health-care reform would provide funding for abortions.

Related Reading

Take Action on This Issue

Tell the Senate: Don't Cut International Aid

Please join us in telling the Senate: Protect foreign aid programs that help the poor and the needy. 

Jim Wallis wrote a blog post two weeks ago about the issue, when it was still unclear what direction the Congress would take. Last night, a key committee in the House of Representatives voted on how the issue would be addressed in their version of the bill.

Here is what they decided, as reported in a NY Times article (emphasis added):

On Thursday night, the Energy and Commerce Committee also voted to allow health plans to cover or not cover abortion, as they see fit, but stipulated that insurers must use money from private sources to pay for any abortions

26 Comments | Login or Register to post comments
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Related Stories

Resources

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

by: ShazamMan

08-08-2009 @ 7:19pm

So many sources are claiming that abortion and euthanasia would be covered under the Obama plan, not to mention sex-change operations. Why is it that so many other sources are wrong and only Sojo is correct? Surely Sojo wouldn't deliberately disseminate misinformation just to support their beloved President
and the socialist agenda they've been trying to enact for years? Would they?
You know, I'd really like to think that they wouldn't, but somehow I have my serious doubts.

by: MattyK

07-31-2009 @ 7:14pm

I'm thrilled to hear this! Though much work remains to ensure the most basic human right to society's most vulnerable members: the right to life for the unborn.

Accessable healthcare itself is a step towards making the world more hospitable to the unborn. Lets hope this legislation works!

by: jesse3

07-31-2009 @ 9:07pm

I'm not yet convinced: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/200... .

"Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) believes the Capps amendment is a "phony compromise", according to his press secretary. Congressman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) said in a statement that "The amendment would still allow for taxpayer funding to pay for plans that cover abortion. This is a fig leaf, designed to lure votes from Members who want cover on the issue. The American people will not be fooled. We want an explicit exclusion in the bill to prevent any taxpayer funding from paying for abortions. Anything else is wrong, and contrary to overwhelming popular opinion."

by: bhaack

07-31-2009 @ 11:11pm

...yet.

by: xfree9

08-01-2009 @ 12:22am

And that is exactly the reason why "just a little government involvement" is not a good argument, because it never just ends there.

by: ShazamMan

08-08-2009 @ 7:19pm

So many sources are claiming that abortion and euthanasia would be covered under the Obama plan, not to mention sex-change operations. Why is it that so many other sources are wrong and only Sojo is correct? Surely Sojo wouldn't deliberately disseminate misinformation just to support their beloved President
and the socialist agenda they've been trying to enact for years? Would they?
You know, I'd really like to think that they wouldn't, but somehow I have my serious doubts.

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 3:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: MattyK

07-31-2009 @ 7:14pm

I'm thrilled to hear this! Though much work remains to ensure the most basic human right to society's most vulnerable members: the right to life for the unborn.

Accessable healthcare itself is a step towards making the world more hospitable to the unborn. Lets hope this legislation works!

by: jesse3

07-31-2009 @ 9:07pm

I'm not yet convinced: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/200... .

"Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) believes the Capps amendment is a "phony compromise", according to his press secretary. Congressman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) said in a statement that "The amendment would still allow for taxpayer funding to pay for plans that cover abortion. This is a fig leaf, designed to lure votes from Members who want cover on the issue. The American people will not be fooled. We want an explicit exclusion in the bill to prevent any taxpayer funding from paying for abortions. Anything else is wrong, and contrary to overwhelming popular opinion."

by: bhaack

07-31-2009 @ 11:11pm

...yet.

by: xfree9

08-01-2009 @ 12:22am

And that is exactly the reason why "just a little government involvement" is not a good argument, because it never just ends there.

by: BlueDeacon

08-03-2009 @ 12:44pm

The Weekly Standard does not appear to be the most objective source on this issue.

by: prk

08-03-2009 @ 2:36pm

When we end up with only the "public option" how will this be?

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 3:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: BlueDeacon

08-03-2009 @ 12:44pm

The Weekly Standard does not appear to be the most objective source on this issue.

by: prk

08-03-2009 @ 2:36pm

When we end up with only the "public option" how will this be?

by: jesse3

08-05-2009 @ 11:04am

An Associated Press story now says "Gov't insurance would allow coverage for abortion" Why does Sojo says something completely different? Who's telling the truth?

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090805/twl-us-h...

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:11pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:18pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 5:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: jesse3

08-05-2009 @ 11:04am

An Associated Press story now says "Gov't insurance would allow coverage for abortion" Why does Sojo says something completely different? Who's telling the truth?

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090805/twl-us-h...

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:11pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:18pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: BillSamuel

08-07-2009 @ 3:52pm

It may not always be, but that is Rep. Stupak's position. Stupak is a progressive, pro-life Democrat. He strongly favors strong health care reform, but also opposes including abortion. He proposed an amendment to keep abortion out of health care reform. It lost. Pro-life Democrats oppose the Capps amendment because explicitly permits the Secretary to include abortion in the services offered by the public plan. Indeed, if the Hyde amendment is reversed, the amendment would actually require that the public plan cover abortions.

by: BillSamuel

08-07-2009 @ 3:52pm

It may not always be, but that is Rep. Stupak's position. Stupak is a progressive, pro-life Democrat. He strongly favors strong health care reform, but also opposes including abortion. He proposed an amendment to keep abortion out of health care reform. It lost. Pro-life Democrats oppose the Capps amendment because explicitly permits the Secretary to include abortion in the services offered by the public plan. Indeed, if the Hyde amendment is reversed, the amendment would actually require that the public plan cover abortions.

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 5:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: MattyK

07-31-2009 @ 7:14pm

I'm thrilled to hear this! Though much work remains to ensure the most basic human right to society's most vulnerable members: the right to life for the unborn.

Accessable healthcare itself is a step towards making the world more hospitable to the unborn. Lets hope this legislation works!

by: MattyK

07-31-2009 @ 7:14pm

I'm thrilled to hear this! Though much work remains to ensure the most basic human right to society's most vulnerable members: the right to life for the unborn.

Accessable healthcare itself is a step towards making the world more hospitable to the unborn. Lets hope this legislation works!

by: jesse3

07-31-2009 @ 9:07pm

I'm not yet convinced: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/200... .

"Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) believes the Capps amendment is a "phony compromise", according to his press secretary. Congressman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) said in a statement that "The amendment would still allow for taxpayer funding to pay for plans that cover abortion. This is a fig leaf, designed to lure votes from Members who want cover on the issue. The American people will not be fooled. We want an explicit exclusion in the bill to prevent any taxpayer funding from paying for abortions. Anything else is wrong, and contrary to overwhelming popular opinion."

by: jesse3

07-31-2009 @ 9:07pm

I'm not yet convinced: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/200... .

"Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) believes the Capps amendment is a "phony compromise", according to his press secretary. Congressman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) said in a statement that "The amendment would still allow for taxpayer funding to pay for plans that cover abortion. This is a fig leaf, designed to lure votes from Members who want cover on the issue. The American people will not be fooled. We want an explicit exclusion in the bill to prevent any taxpayer funding from paying for abortions. Anything else is wrong, and contrary to overwhelming popular opinion."

by: bhaack

07-31-2009 @ 11:11pm

...yet.

by: bhaack

07-31-2009 @ 11:11pm

...yet.

by: xfree9

08-01-2009 @ 12:22am

And that is exactly the reason why "just a little government involvement" is not a good argument, because it never just ends there.

by: xfree9

08-01-2009 @ 12:22am

And that is exactly the reason why "just a little government involvement" is not a good argument, because it never just ends there.

by: BlueDeacon

08-03-2009 @ 12:44pm

The Weekly Standard does not appear to be the most objective source on this issue.

by: BlueDeacon

08-03-2009 @ 12:44pm

The Weekly Standard does not appear to be the most objective source on this issue.

by: prk

08-03-2009 @ 2:36pm

When we end up with only the "public option" how will this be?

by: prk

08-03-2009 @ 2:36pm

When we end up with only the "public option" how will this be?

by: jesse3

08-05-2009 @ 11:04am

An Associated Press story now says "Gov't insurance would allow coverage for abortion" Why does Sojo says something completely different? Who's telling the truth?

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090805/twl-us-h...

by: jesse3

08-05-2009 @ 11:04am

An Associated Press story now says "Gov't insurance would allow coverage for abortion" Why does Sojo says something completely different? Who's telling the truth?

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090805/twl-us-h...

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:11pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:11pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:18pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: michaelclay

08-05-2009 @ 12:18pm

Good day. I am a follower of Jesus that was an alcoholic drug user saved by the love of God through faith in Jesus and delivered from addictions 30 years ago. I have been so blessed. 3 daughters with God loving son in laws, 3 grandchildren, everyone in my extended and immediate family a believer; liberals, moderates and conservatives, that live their faith in Jesus with love towards one another. God has been so good to me though i deserve nothing.

I participated in the abortion of my child through supporting my girlfriend to have the abortion because it would eliminate and inconvenience. I believe I have a girl who is 30 now, waiting to meet her earthly dad with forgiveness and love in her heart. God forgave me and I am not guilty because of Jesus work on the cross for me.

The "world" is so subtle and seductive. I have to daily trust The Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see and ears to hear because it's all very logical and even sounds like good. Your article here seems like the world, the one Jesus talks about when He said "the world", and it grieves me. Thanks for the comments by others. That encourages me to know there is salt and light emanating from His children in the dark. My comment, well it's not mine, "friendship with the world is hate towards God."
Let us pray for discernment to understand the "world" Jesus refers to and have the grace to hate this "world" that wants us to be its friend and thereby hate God.
Pro 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

by: BillSamuel

08-07-2009 @ 3:52pm

It may not always be, but that is Rep. Stupak's position. Stupak is a progressive, pro-life Democrat. He strongly favors strong health care reform, but also opposes including abortion. He proposed an amendment to keep abortion out of health care reform. It lost. Pro-life Democrats oppose the Capps amendment because explicitly permits the Secretary to include abortion in the services offered by the public plan. Indeed, if the Hyde amendment is reversed, the amendment would actually require that the public plan cover abortions.

by: BillSamuel

08-07-2009 @ 3:52pm

It may not always be, but that is Rep. Stupak's position. Stupak is a progressive, pro-life Democrat. He strongly favors strong health care reform, but also opposes including abortion. He proposed an amendment to keep abortion out of health care reform. It lost. Pro-life Democrats oppose the Capps amendment because explicitly permits the Secretary to include abortion in the services offered by the public plan. Indeed, if the Hyde amendment is reversed, the amendment would actually require that the public plan cover abortions.

by: ShazamMan

08-08-2009 @ 7:19pm

So many sources are claiming that abortion and euthanasia would be covered under the Obama plan, not to mention sex-change operations. Why is it that so many other sources are wrong and only Sojo is correct? Surely Sojo wouldn't deliberately disseminate misinformation just to support their beloved President
and the socialist agenda they've been trying to enact for years? Would they?
You know, I'd really like to think that they wouldn't, but somehow I have my serious doubts.

by: ShazamMan

08-08-2009 @ 7:19pm

So many sources are claiming that abortion and euthanasia would be covered under the Obama plan, not to mention sex-change operations. Why is it that so many other sources are wrong and only Sojo is correct? Surely Sojo wouldn't deliberately disseminate misinformation just to support their beloved President
and the socialist agenda they've been trying to enact for years? Would they?
You know, I'd really like to think that they wouldn't, but somehow I have my serious doubts.

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 3:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 3:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 5:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net

by: sara02

12-21-2009 @ 5:52am

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://grantfoundation.net