movement.
It's very fitting that we are discussing abortion issues because, as Emily just stated, sadly, yet hopefully for the benefit of all those uninsured people in America, the pro-choice movement, suffered a blow both in the passing of the new health care bill, and during the health care debate in The House. My article discusses the reasons why the health care bill is a victory for the pro-life group and a blow for the pro-choice. This was a historical monument, that unfortunately, has marginalized women's health care. Not only because the President, had to re-assure the anti-abortion Democrats and basically bribe them into signing this bill or passing it, by assuring them that the federal government would not be funding health care clinics that offered abortions, and would exclude all tax-payers for paying for abortions nationally. Obama states promised that the abortion legislation and funding would stay as it has in status-quo. Which isnt bad for the pro-choice movement, it just doesn't help our cause. Democrats appeased the minds of the pro-life advocates by assuring everyone that the Hyde bill which prevents federal funding from going to abortions will remain in tact, and that tax-payers will not end up paying for abortions.
Again, as I stated in my last wall-post I cannot stand those who call those who believe in pro-choice as murderers. There was yet another outburst made by a pro-choice advocate and this time in the middle of a monumental health care bill debate by a GOP Representative Neugebauer, who during the debate in the house yelled out about the bill "It's a baby killer!". These kinds of statements and outbursts, which are some-what backed by moderate democrats has not only weakened the pro-choice movement, but made it seem as if the debate or the issue is starting to turn into one that is more commonly seen as a pro-life one. Also in the article is states that "To appease abortion opponents, Democrats also added language requiring anyone whose policy does cover abortion to pay -- separately -- a small surcharge, with the funds kept separate." It's funny that Democrats feel that this is going to appease the minds of those who are against abortion, because paying a small surcharge for abortion, makes me feel like the issue is just being dealt with , financially, behind closed doors, "separate". Which isnt the way its supposed to be. Women shouldn't feel like their abortion is wrong or different. And moreover, as if this wasnt enough for those against abortion, Representative Stupak even argued that the new federally run community health clinics have to have more restrictions on abortions! This is absolutely ridiculous, this is as if we are putting restrictions on a drug. The accessability of abortions, should remain as is if not more open, and more restrictions, as if there weren't enough, are not necessary. But again, poor Obama, even though he is pro-choice, he had to remind everyone that federal funding will not be used in abortions and that pro-life advocates could remain calm. Which is annoying because I believe that some of the federal funding should be allocated to new abortion clinics. For Obama to stand down on this issue, is sad because while I understand that there is a much bigger picture here, the message he is sending is one that makes it seem like federal relations with abortions or abortions having to do with the government or influenced by the government is very wrong and unacceptable. I understand that if there was federal funding it would seem very one-sided and would make the pro-life Democrats uneasy about passing the bill. Which is legitimate, it is a tricky issue, and I dont think that the Health care Bill is the forum or the bill in which abortions rights or funding, etc should be handled, changed or dealth with. Again, its a personal issue and I think that some of the clinics would benefit from having federal funding. Wouldnt that help the abortion procedures? Couldnt that help scientist or doctors find better ways of performing abortions? I think that it is ridiculous that the Republicans tried to make the abortion issue, included in the health care bill, and issue so big, that it would prevent them from passing it. It makes it seem as if they had nothing better else to target but abortion issues. And the worst part? These are mainly MEN. I cannot understand or empathize with men who take positions on this issue because its simply not an issue that they can truly have an opinion on. Yet regardless the real issue here, is that no, tax-payers wont have to pay for abortions, and no federal funding will not go to clinics to perform abortions. This has been the way it has always been, and unfortunately no progress has been made. The only beneficial part of this bill is that now some of the health care insurance will include an abortion option as part of the coverage. Which is exciting, yet it will be interesting to see which states actually allow for clinics to support these kinds of insurance policies. Some believe that federal funding will eventually end up in the hands of the abortion clinics and in the tax-payer bills, because the language says that courts could allow community clinics to provide abortions, which is the way it should be. I don't think this is a national issue but a personal issue, I think that abortion should be offered in some health insurance packages, I am impartial to the federal funding aspect, and I think that this debate should continue to be discusses on the state-level, community level, and not as a way of trying to repress a bill.
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