One specific aspect of the healthcare reform that is under scrutiny is the access that women have to it, and the affordability and restrictions that accompany the reform. There has been development of a plan that will give women affordable care for maternity and reproductive health. In an article from The Huffington Post by Bob Burnett, he states that "The pending healthcare legislation will provide all women, who are legal residents of the U.S., with full-range of care at an equitable cost. In addition, females will not be denied coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition, including breast cancer, pregnancy, or evidence of "uninsurability" such as being a victim of domestic violence." However, the problem that some are finding with this reform is the potential use of federal funds for procedures like abortion, and this thus threatens the pending legislation. It is seen as contradicting the Hyde Amendment of 1976, which has not allowed for federal funds for abortion.
While I can agree and relate to people’s concerns about the use of federal funding for abortion, I do not see the benefits in halting the pending legislation because of all the other medical benefits it provides. So often women do not receive the proper preventative care such as pap smears, mammograms, or prenatal care due to the high costs, especially for the uninsured. It is so important that women have access to this care in order to ensure longevity and quality of life, for themselves and potentially an unborn child. While ethical concerns are raised surrounding controversial procedures, and cannot be ignored, the benefits of this reform simply cannot be overlooked either.
Including more restrictive language in the legislation is one way to satisfy both sides of the argument. It would not affect women receiving proper maternity and reproductive healthcare, yet it would also assure those who fear funding of abortion. The point is that women’s healthcare bills can be significantly higher than that of men’s because of the medical attention required for pregnancy, as well as yearly exams. A reform needs to happen in order to service more women at a significantly lower price.
full article found at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-burnett/healthcare-reforms-aborti_b_299647.html
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Good point. It would be unfortunate if this bill got set back because of the argument over abortion. Many republicans and blue dog democrats have been suggesting that the health care bill be split into a series of bills - but in my opinion that is just a trap to slow down reform. Abortion is an interesting argument because, like the same-sex marriage problem, people use a toxic combination of morals and politics to control people legally and economically.
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