So what will
happen when the Abortion Insurance Opt-Out law takes effect on March 14?
The sun will rise and Michigan will join 23 other states that have
opted out of abortion being a standard part in health care policies
offered through the national health care exchanges. Michigan will also
join nine other states that have opted out of abortion as a standard
part of private health care plans.
Right to Life of
Michigan President Barbara Listing said, "Let's be honest. Michigan
citizens do not want to pay for someone else's abortion with their tax
dollars or insurance premiums. Michigan's experience with Medicaid has
clearly shown that tax funding for abortion leads to more abortions."
The Abortion
Insurance Opt-Out initiative has always been about who desires abortion
coverage and who will pay for it; the law has nothing to do with the
legality of abortion. With the Abortion Insurance Opt-Out law in place,
both transparency and peace of mind is realized for those who have
health insurance. After March 14, any health care policies purchased or
renewed will not include abortion unless a separate rider is obtained.
In addition, if an employer private plan includes an abortion rider; all
employees must be informed of the rider's provisions.
This change brings
both transparency and peace of mind. Policy holders in Michigan will
know whether or not their health insurance plan includes abortion.
Listing said, "Abortion is not true health care - abortion kills a living, developing human being. March 14 is a good day for Michigan."