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09/20/06-Pro Life Democrats Endorse Lincoln Davis Abortion Reduction Bill

Wednesday, 20 September 2006 05:03 administrator
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PRO LIFE DEMOCRATS ENDORSE LINCOLN DAVIS ABORTION REDUCTION BILL AT PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY

September 20, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Democrats For Life of America joined Congressman Lincoln Davis (D-TN) at a Capitol Hill press conference to official endorse his abortion reduction bill that he will introduce in Congress this week.

"We applaud Lincoln Davis for taking introducing the Pregnant Woman Support Act. His bill is a bi-partisan effort, endorsed by pro-choice and pro-life Members in an effort to reduce America’s abortion rate by 95% over the next 10 years,” said DFLA’s Executive Director, Kristen Day.

One of the 14 proposals calls for expanding coverage to pregnant women and unborn children through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). One of the key provisions of the proposal calls for banning the discriminatory practice against pregnant women in the health insurance industry by removing pregnancy from all "pre-existing condition" lists in health care.

Other provisions call for making adoption tax credits permanent, provides grants for low-income parenting college students, fully funding the federal WIC program, increased funding for domestic violence programs, and provides free home visits by registered nurses for new mothers.

"This initiative provides the kind of support, information, and options that should be readily available to pregnant women in any society that truly believes in the sanctity of life. Congress can and should act immediately to implement this 95-10 initiative," said Davis.

The legislation was unveiled Wednesday during a news conference in Washington where Davis was joined by Republican lead cosponsor Rep. Chris Smith and Reps. Harold Ford, Jr. and Charlie Melancon. Other original cosponsors include Reps. Marion Berry, Allen Boyd, James Clyburn, Jerry Costello, Tim Holden, Marcy Kaptur, Dan Lipinski, Jim Marshall, Mike McIntrye, James Oberstar, Solomon Ortiz, and Colin Peterson.

Organizations who have sent statements in support of the bill include the National Association of Evangelicals, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Americans United for Life, Democrats for Life of America, National Council on Adoption, Life Education and Resource Network, Redeem the Vote, CARENET, Tony Campolo, founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Joe Turnham, Chairman, Alabama Democratic Party, U.S. Senate candidate Bob Casey, and actor, Martin Sheen.

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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REITERATES THAT NO FEDERAL FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR ABORTION

Contrary to Claims by Republican-controlled Groups, High Risk Pools Will Not Pay for Abortion . . .

July 15, 2010 - Following the announcement that Pennsylvania will receive $160 million to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions are able to get health insurance under the new health care law, the National Right to Life Committee and others accused President Obama of allowing public funds to be used for abortion.  The Administration quickly responded to inquiries from Democrats for Life of America and pro-life Democratic Congressional leaders to make clear that this will not be the case.

HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus stated, " As is the case with FEHB plans currently, and with the Affordable Care Act and the President's related Executive Order more generally, in Pennsylvania and in all other states abortions will not be covered in the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) except in the cases of rape or incest, or where the life of the woman would be endangered.

Our policy is the same for both state and federally-run PCIP programs. We will reiterate this policy in guidance to those running the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan at both the state and federal levels. The contracts to operate the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan include a requirement to follow all federal laws and guidance."

The State of Pennsylvania is one of the first states to be awarded funds to set up a high-risk insurance pool.  The pool will ensure that individuals with pre-existing conditions or other conditions that preclude them from accessing health insurance and lifesaving care are able to get covered.

Pennsylvania has one of the most restrictive policies on abortion funding and has been a leader on providing support for pregnant women through their Real Alternatives program. 

Under current law, state-funded health plans may not pay for abortions beyond Hyde restrictions (those other than cases of rape, incest or a threat to the life of the mother).  Any organization receiving state funds may not provide or refer for abortion.  Additionally, neither state nor federal funds can used for abortion and public facilities may not provide abortion services unless they meet the Hyde restrictions. 

DFLA appreciates the leadership of our pro-life Democrats in Congress who are able to work closely with the Administration to ensure that no public funds will be used for abortion and that the intent of the Executive Order will be adhered to. While Republicans continue to mischaracterize aspects of the health reform bill, we will work to ensure the law provides affordable and accessible health care for millions of Americans while upholding the longstanding ban on public funding of abortion.
 
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