Understanding the Stupek Amendment: What You Need to Know

Question
Hi Deborah. My question is regarding the controversy over the Stupek ammendment. I am a bit confused, and was wondering if you could explain what this legislation would mean? I am confused because I thought that there was already a law in place banning federal funding for abortions? If this law passes, what would change? Also, do you personally feel that abortion should be covered under government health insurance? I know you are pro-choice, but I know some people who are also strongly pro-choice who feel that a woman should have the legal right to an abortion but that she shouldn't expect taxpayers to fund it for her. After all, many people are against abortion for religious and moral reasons, and do not like the idea of their tax dollars funding this procedure which they consider to be murder. Thank you.

Carol

Answer
Hi Carol :)

You're right, there is-the Hyde Amendment prohibits any federal funds to be used for abortion services. What would change would be if the woman turns to the government for subsidies, maybe for a private plan, she can't have abortion covered. What would change would be even more limited access to abortion, especially for low income women.

I do think it should be. It's part of health care. I know many taxpayers who detest their money paying for the slaughter of Iraqis and Afghans, actual living people, but there's not much they can do about that. And if someone currently has a private plan, there's an 87% chance they're already paying for abortions. That's how many private plans cover abortion, and by paying for their private plans, they are in effect paying for abortions. I would think most people would not want a woman to be economically forced into motherhood-which is what 25% of women on medicaid are (cheaper to have the baby then get funds for abortion they wanted). It's cheaper to pay for the abortion than the several hundreds and thousands of dollars it will cost to raise that kid. If they're against it, ok. But they can just get over it, because it's likely they're already subsidizing abortions, and tax dollars go to things they should really be upset about-war, crisis pregnancy centers, and rich CEOs.