Abortion Funding Ban Considered

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Abortion Funding Ban Considered

Special Report - May 9, 2011
After receiving U.S. House approval, a congressional ban on federal funding of abortions now seems likely to die in the Senate. HR 3—No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act was primarily sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (R–NJ) and Dan Lipinski (D–IL), along with 225 other members, including NC Representatives Howard Coble (R–6), Renee Ellmers (R–2), Virginia Foxx (R–5), Walter Jones (R–3), Patrick McHenry (R–10), Mike McIntyre (D–7), Sue Myrick (R–9), and Heath Shuler (D–11). It was approved by a vote of 251–175 on May 4 by all Republican members of the House and 16 Democrat members.

The bill would ban any federal government program or department from funding elective abortions with tax dollars. Elective abortions are abortions that are not considered necessary as a result of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother. Currently, several different policies prevent many congressionally-authorized programs from funding abortions. Many of those policies must be renewed by Congress every year. This bill would institute a government-wide policy prohibiting the use of any tax dollars for elective abortion in all federal programs. The recently-passed federal healthcare reform law would be covered under the new law, and therefore be prevented from implementing the portion of the law that authorizes federal subsidies for insurance plans that include coverage for elective abortions.

Senator Roger Wicker (R–MS) filed a similar bill, S. 906, in the Senate on Thursday, May 5. The Senate is expected to defeat that version of the bill, if they even consider it. On May 2, the White House released a statement opposing the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.

Related resources:
Congress Defending Life - February 16, 2011
U.S. House Defunds Planned Parenthood - February 22, 2011
Majority of Americans Favor Laws Limiting Abortions - January 12, 2009
Senate Fails to Prohibit Abortion Funding- December 11, 2009