A coalition of pro-life groups representing more than 30 million people has released a statement encouraging congressional leaders to ensure that any health care reform proposal does not promote abortion.
That stand comes as the Senate Finance Committee passed a fifth version of the controversial health care bill.
The 10-year, $829 billion plan crafted by the committee will be merged with a version from the Senate health committee. The final Senate bill will then be reconciled with the final House bill, before being voted on by both chambers.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, told his colleagues today he had hoped to feel better about the "substance of the bill."
"We can now see clearly that the bill continues its march leftward," he said before the vote.
A study prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers confirms what The Heritage Foundation and others have been saying: The new version does not save money. In fact, according to the analysis requested by America's Health Insurance Plans, a family of four would pay an extra $4,000 each year once the plan is fully in place.
Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, said it all comes down to taxpayer-funded abortion.
"Congress has voted 30 times against amendments that would ban abortion funding," he said in a statement. "Every proposed bill funds abortion, including the so-called Baucus bill from the Senate Finance Committee. This is unacceptable. We will not support any bill that funds abortion."
TAKE ACTION
Ask your representative and senators to oppose any government-mandated health care plan that does not specifically exclude abortion coverage. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Don't miss the Focus on the Family Action radio broadcast Thursday, in which Dr. James Dobson will share his views on health care reform.
