Senate moves to open debate on health care reform
November 25, 2009 1:05:32
by Shauna
Web Correspondent
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
The first thought that entered my mind when I learned that a health care bill had passed in the house was “what impact will this have on women's access to reproductive health services?” Unfortunately, it's a big one and not in the right direction. Despite the historic passage of a health care reform bill, it's coming at a big price. The Stupak Amendment would ban insurance companies from paying for a legally protected health service: Abortion. Let me repeat that. Abortion is a legally protected medical procedure and the Stupak Amendment is an blatant attack on women's access to reproductive health services. Click here to read a Star Tribune article for more on the Amendment.
On Saturday, the Senate voted to bring health care reform to debate. Go here to read a New York Times article for more information on the vote. Now the real fight begins. Not only does the Senate need to pass their version, but it needs to be reconciled with the House version.This means it is now up to the Senate to push through a version of health care reform that ensures better health care access for everyone, which means a version without a Stupak Amendment.
How can we truly obtain reform if we take a step backwards? Health care reform should improve access to necessary health services for everyone, especially the poor. The Stupak Amendment hurts the very people health care reform is meant to help by taking away their options. It is not too late for action and we need to make our voices heard. Go here to sign a petition and show your support for women's health. It is up to us to demand that women's access to reproductive health care not be the sacrificial lamb in this health care debate.
Trackback: http://www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org/trackback/708/MmdvkkIh/
