Update: Stupak Says He'll Reject Any Bill Without Abortion Ban

NOW-NYC stands firmly against the proposed "compromise" on abortion coverage.
If there has ever been a time where we need you to act, it is NOW.
While Obama's proposal retains the restrictions on abortion coverage put forth in the Senate version of the bill (see below) the Stupak-Pitts amendment passed in the House version of the bill would result in an outright ban on abortion coverage in ANY insurance plan that receives federal dollars, threatening the loss of abortion access for millions of women and preventing women from securing abortion coverage EVEN WITH THEIR OWN MONEY.

1)  What Stupak-Pitts Does:
The Stupak-Pitts amendment prohibits both private insurance companies participating in the federal program and any government plan or "public option" from providing coverage for abortion. That's right. Abortion coverage will become unavailable for millions of women if the final version of health care reform includes this amendment, and one of the largest restriction on women's access to abortion since Roe will be enacted at the national level.

Read More in NOW-NYC's Statement.  

   
We need you to take action NOW!

For our sample letter on the Stupak restrictions and more background information on the
Stupak and Hyde amendments, click here. 
Let's make sure these restrictions are not in the final reform bill- take action today!

2)  The "Compromise" Restrictions in Obama's Plan and in the Current Senate Bill:
Obama's health care bill retains the Manager's Amendment proposed by Senator Harry Reid that was voted into the final Senate bill (along party lines 60-39).  The bill, in its current form, will impose the greatest restrictions on abortion access in a generation. Obama's plan, unveiled in the last week of February, retains the restrictions accepted by the Senate.  

The pro-choice majority that put Obama in office is not being fairly represented.  Instead, critical health care reform measures and expansion of insurance coverage to millions of Americans is being pitted against women's reproductive health.

The restrictions in the Senate version of the bill:

a) Allow Stupak for states: States can decide to BAN abortion coverage on the health exchanges in their state. This means that low-income women and any women who need to purchase insurance on the exchange in conservative states will not be able to get coverage for abortion. Since most Americans will be required to buy insurance, this also means that women will be forced to pay for insurance that does not cover all of their health care needs.

b) Force women to write separate checks to pay for abortion coverage. This is discriminatory, creates a stigma around abortion, poses privacy issues, and will result in many women not obtaining coverage since women do not plan to have an abortion. Furthermore, it is questionable how the cost difference between genders would be eliminated if women are writing separate checks for abortion coverage.

c) Throw into question whether or not insurance companies will cover abortion at all. The patchwork of regulations and the big administrative burdens placed on insurance companies that cover abortion could result in a total loss of insurance coverage for abortion.

Let your leaders know that you are outraged that health care reform is moving forward at the expense of women's health and lives.  While NOW-NYC is strongly in favor of health care reform that will eliminate gender rating, remove restrictions on coverage to pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy and domestic violence) and expand access to millions, we cannot support a version of the bill that denies women full access to health care. We must hold Obama to his promise to pass an "abortion neutral" bill.  Speak out today!

Senator Gillibrand 202-224-4451| Senator Schumer 202-224-6542 | Take Action From Any State

White House 202-456-1111 | Write My Congressperson 202-224-3121