Health Care Bill May Cover Abortion

On “Fox News Sunday” this past weekend, budget director Peter Orszag said he is “not prepared to rule ... out” taxpayer financing for abortions.

Regardless of how you feel about abortion, there is no doubt that it is a very contentious issue, and no one should be forced to pay for abortion unwillingly, which would happen if:

A) the public plan covers it (paid by tax dollars), or
B) the bill mandates health insurers to cover abortions (which would mean that anyone who wants health insurance would have to pay premiums that would go towards abortion)

Keep an eye on this interesting new front in the health care debate. It has the potential to go undiscussed in the mainstream media, but pay attention to what the actual bill ends up saying before you decide how you feel.

Source: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25237_Page2.html#ixzz0M1EJnmsS

Update:
Here's Obama speaking on the question:

KATIE COURIC: Do you favor a government option that would cover abortions?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: You know-- the-- the-- the-- what I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. Because I think we're still trying to get a framework. And my main focus is making sure that people have the options of high quality care at the lowest possible price.

As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition-- of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of-- you know, government funded health care. And, you know, my-- you know, rather than wade into that issue at this point-- I think that it's appropriate for us to figure out how to just deliver on the cost savings, and not get distracted by the abortion debate at this station.

Hat Tip: Ben Smith