Elective abortion removed as standard 'benefit' from health plans
The
question of who pays for abortion insurance was answered today in
Michigan. The Michigan House (62-47) and Senate (27-11) approved the
citizen-initiated Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act. The Abortion Insurance
Opt-Out Act is about who desires abortion coverage and who will pay for
it, not whether abortion is legal or if insurance is available.
Today's
vote in the Michigan House and Senate in a victory for Michigan and
concludes a narrative of effort by a cast of hundreds of thousands of
volunteers and key leaders. Because of the dedication of many, Michigan
joins 23 other states in opting-out of abortion coverage in their health
insurance exchanges through the Affordable Care Act.
Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, "Abortion is not true health care and people who object will not have to contribute their own tax dollars or insurance premiums for elective abortions. This law is instrumental in preserving our long tradition of protecting the conscience rights of Michigan citizens before the Affordable Care Act takes full effect in 2014."
The
NO Taxes for Abortion Insurance petition drive was democracy in action.
Michigan's Constitution allows the people to initiate legislation
through a petition. In 120 days, volunteer Michigan citizens from every
county gathered more than 315,000 signatures to support this
legislation.
Listing said, "We are thankful for the hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers and prolife citizens who made this law possible. We applaud the Michigan legislators who stood firm in their resolve and voted to ensure no person is forced to fund the deliberate taking of an innocent human life in the name of health care."
