Negotiators Add Abortion Clause to Spending Bill

[acmavm]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/20/politics/20spend.html?oref=login&th

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG and CARL HULSE

Published: November 20, 2004

<snip>

WASHINGTON, Saturday, Nov. 20 - House and Senate negotiators have tucked a potentially far-reaching anti-abortion provision into a $388 billion must-pass spending bill, complicating plans for Congress to wrap up its business and adjourn for the year.

The provision may be an early indication of the growing political muscle of social conservatives who provided crucial support for Republican candidates, including President Bush, in the election.


House officials said Saturday morning that the final details of the spending measure were worked out before midnight and that the bill was filed for the House vote on Saturday.

The abortion language would bar federal, state and local agencies from withholding taxpayer money from health care providers that refuse to provide or pay for abortions or refuse to offer abortion counseling or referrals. Current federal law, aimed at protecting Roman Catholic doctors, provides such "conscience protection'' to doctors who do not want to undergo abortion training. The new language would expand that protection to all health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, clinics and insurers.

-MORE-

[sherilocks]

1. Let your legislators know

that we're watching them. Repugs are destroying the economy with their out of control spending and chipping away at a woman's right to choose all wrapped up in one bill.

Go here for contact informatio and write. They are set to pass this bill, today!

http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm

[soothsayer]

2. These F-ers don't waste any time, do they? n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. dupe

of http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1007440

[WildClarySage]

4. Ok, I'm stupid this morning

I don't quite 'get it'- what this really means. Can somebody explain it to me in a way that my pre-coffee brain can manage? (Please use small words- thanks) :silly:

[Moderator]

5. Duplicate topic--Please continue discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1007440