Late, late, late on Saturday night (around midnight) Congresswomen Pingree and Congressman Michaud both cast their votes in support of the Affordable Healthcare for America Act. I watched a news clip about Pingree’s triumphant return to Maine after casting her vote.
The progress on healthcare would be cause for celebration, except that the bill as is has dire consequences for women’s access to abortion.
In the late hours on Saturday, Representative Stupak (D – MI) brought forth an amendment that bans any direct public funding for abortion and prohibits private insurance companies that participate in the exchange from covering abortions. You can read a comprehensive explanation of the amendment here. The Stupak-Pitts Amendment will also deny abortion coverage to women who already have it and who pay for part of the cost of their private health insurance plan. A lobbyist in our DC office explains the consequences of this amendment well in an ACLU press releases:
"Today’s vote in the House of Representatives in favor of the Pitts-Stupak amendment to deny women access to abortion in health care reform legislation is a direct attack on women's right to make private health care decisions," said Vania Leveille, ACLU Legislative Counsel. "By prohibiting individuals who receive federal subsidies from purchasing private insurance plans that provide abortion care, even when they contribute to the cost with their own funds, members of the House have grossly distorted the meaning of health care reform."
Congressman Pingree voted against the Stupak Amendment, and we appreciate her support of reproductive freedom. We're disappointed that Congressman Michaud supported the Stupak Amendment. The Senate now will consider its own bill. Both bills will eventually end up in conference, where Senator Snowe will be a key player. It’s important not to take any pro-choice vote for granted. Call Senator Snowe and let her know you support a woman’s right to choose, and ultimately, you hope she does too when she considers the healthcare bill in the following months – (207) 874-0883.
