Letter to the Editor: Pro-choice protection

Friday, November 20, 2009

Recently adopted by the House of Representatives, the Stupak-Pitts Amendment makes it virtually impossible for private insurance companies that would participate in the new health care system to offer abortion coverage to women, even though more than 85 percent of private insurance plans cover abortion services.

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment forbids any plan offering abortion coverage in the new system from accepting even one subsidized customer. Because more than 80 percent of the participants in the exchange will be subsidized, it seems certain all health plans will seek and accept these individuals.

“In other words, the Stupak-Pitts Amendment forces plans in the exchange to make a difficult choice: either offer their product to 80 percent of consumers in the marketplace or offer abortion services in their benefits package,” according to a press release from NARAL Pro-Choice America. “It seems clear which choice they will make.”

Stupak supporters claim women who require subsidies to help pay for their insurance plan will have abortion access through the option of purchasing a “rider,” a false promise. In the five states that require a separate rider for abortion coverage, there is no evidence plans offer these riders, according to the National Women’s Law Center.

Nothing in this amendment would ensure rider policies are available or affordable to the more than 80 percent of individuals who will receive federal subsidies in order to help purchase coverage in the new exchange.

But it’s not too late. Something can be done to stop this amendment from becoming a part of health care reform. Join the Commission on the Status of Women at the University in calling Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.) at 202-225-2865 or the Capital Switchboard at 888-423-5983 (tell them what state you’re from) and demand that our government protects our reproductive rights.

— Jessica Harman is a sophomore from Topeka.

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