Friday, October 14, 2011

U.S. House passes Protect Life Act

Yesterday, by a 251-172 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Protect Life Act (H.R. 358). This bill would nullify the multiple abortion-expanding provisions of the 2010 federal health care law, commonly known as "ObamaCare."

(Insurance) (p)roviders that offer abortion coverage would have to set up identical plans without abortion coverage to participate in the health insurance exchanges to be set up under the new law.

The legislation, which passed 251-172, is unlikely to be considered by the Democratic-led Senate and faces a veto threat from President Barack Obama. But it gives House Republicans a chance to reaffirm their credentials on social conservative issues.

Supporters of the bill, including author Rep. Joe Pitts, R-Pa., say they are trying to close loopholes in the health care act that could lead to violations of the longstanding prohibition of the federal funding of abortion.

FULL STORY