I need help debunking some "facts" that were in a full page ad in my local paper on Sunday

[likesmountains 52]

1." If this bill is passed, hospitals that do not offer reproductive health services (abortions) may not receive federal dollars, which could cause them to close."

2. "The provision to withhold Medicare payments to physician owned hospitals puts Animas Surgical Hospital and others at risk."

Thanks

[Kerrytravelers]

1. When someone makes up "facts" out of thin air, it's more difficult to refute, as you can't point to

a page number and say, "see... read here." Or, like that buffoon on The Daily Show last Thursday, they will just say, "Well... my interpretation is different. And I'm correct."

And if you just call them what they are- liars- then they play the righteous indignation routine.

[likesmountains 52]

4. You're right about that. It is hard to use the truth with liars...

[NMDemDist2]

2. here's a place to start

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2009/aug/07/abortion-and-health-care-reform-bill/

[likesmountains 52]

5. Thanks NMDem. That's a good link to keep.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Here's an article from Newsweek rebutting #1.

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/08/14/health-care-reform-and-the-abortion-debate.aspx

The House bill (H.R. 3200) doesn't mention abortion at all...
Similarly, if a private insurer covers abortions, there's no guarantee that the premiums paid by an abortion opponent who's covered by that insurer won't end up paying for a termination.

I can't find anything about a provision to withhold Medicare payments.

[likesmountains 52]

6. I just puled up HR 3200 and searched for "abortion" "reproductive services" and "physician owned

hospitals".Abortion does not appear, neither does reproductive services. There is some discussion of physician owned hospitals but nothing is mentioned about Medicare payments being withheld. All that is discussed is that the ownership of the facility has to be made public, and that seems like a pretty good idea to me! It is actually not that hard to read the bill and use the search to find key words.