Abortion language in health care bills continues to rankle both sides

The Washington Times: "Pro-life advocates say the Democrats' health care bill would send millions of dollars to community health care centers without restrictions to keep the money from being used to fund abortions, potentially expanding access to the procedure." The National Right to Life Group "calls the Senate bill, which could come up for a vote in the House, 'the most pro-abortion piece of legislation to come before the House of Representatives.'"

The Times notes that "Supporters of the health care bill say they have no intentions to change the current law prohibiting federal funding of abortions and will add further restrictions if needed" (Haberkorn, 3/4).

Meanwhile, Politico reports on a statement issued by Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, who argues that the Senate bill "would lead private insurers to stop offering abortion coverage. She calls on Congress to change the language while also beating back a push from Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak to include the more restrictive House language in the final bill" (Frates, 3/3).