WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to prohibit coverage of abortions in a new government-run health care plan that Democrats want to compete with private insurers.
The 240-194 vote was a blow to liberals who would let the Obama administration decide whether to cover abortions in a government-provided insurance plan. Sixty-four Democrats joined 176 Republicans in favor of the prohibition.
The vote was on an amendment to a Democratic-written bill to provide health care insurance coverage to 36 million Americans who don't have it now. The amendment also prevents private insurers from covering abortions for anyone getting federal subsidies to help pay their premiums.
plant_a_tree said on November 7, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Too bad Congress is negotiating away women's health benefits. Private donors will need to help those who can't afford proper abortion care so all will have equal access, not just the wealthy.