The members of Congress who voted in support of the Stupak amendment sent a message to America's women: after more than 200 years we are still not full citizens of the United States. Apparently members of Congress now believe that it is within their power to determine what legal medical procedures are acceptable. And under the health care plan passed over the weekend, American women should not count themselves among those who have full access to quality affordable health care, just partial access. But listen up fellas - you should be worried too because if they can do it to us they can do it to you.
The Republicans and Democrats who voted for the amendment have clearly decided that big government has a major role in controlling our personal health care decisions and Congress' ability to flat out deny access to a legal procedure. If you follow the logic of the Stupak amendment, a Congressional majority could also decide that under the plan tax payer dollars cannot be used to pay for the use of a defibrillator during a heart attack, only manual CPR. Or, that all surgery should have a local instead of general anesthesia, despite the consequences for the patient. As an American citizen I do not believe that the government should have a say in making determinations about what is appropriate for my or anyone else's health care as long as I'm following the law.
And once again, a group of mostly white men have decided to put additional burdens and increased difficulties of women - particularly low-income women. And this same group will of course not want to be responsible or offer assistance when that same woman is struggling to care for her children. Women already make less money than men - which means less money to pay for health care. We know that women statistically pay more for their health care than men. So less money for more expensive basic care. Now we are saying to women that the personal feelings of members of Congress can come before the legal rights of an American citizen.
Despite how you feel about a woman's right to make up her own mind about her health care, every American should see this for what it is: an attack on our personal freedom and liberty as guaranteed by the constitution. President Obama and Democrats in the Senate must stand up against this tyranny. The personal feelings of a group of Congressional members cannot be put ahead of the legal rights of American citizens. This is not just a woman's issue; it's an American issue.
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It's a human issue, sure. But now it's not one issue of access to medical care, anymore. It's now that we all see how little we are valued. That's something that cannot be undone, and perhaps it was a favor to a group lulled into complacency.
Throughout history "woman" has been the one who paid the price for man!
Man has never cared truly about woman, he just uses her for his own needs!
That being said, you think man cares about your abortion, he's the one that got you pregnant in the first place!!! 67% of all abortions preformed in the USA are preformed by men!! They don't care what your womb feels like!!
You've been used!!!! This is only about one thing POPULATION CONTROL!!!! The global elite have been planning this for 50 years!!! You have been used as a vehicle to kill millions of children! Way to go!!! When I talk to liberal woman, they always use abortion a ugly and negative thing in life to rally around!! Wow, that's so brilliant of you all!
Health Care is a human right that cannot be denied to any member of our society!
Has ANYONE seen the conditions of the other countries government run clinics and hospitals? Have you EVER been to a free clinic here in America? It takes FOREVER to be seen(try at least 6 weeks for an appointment) and the treatment is LESS than stellar. THAT is what we all have to look forward to with goverment in control!!!
I am a woman who DOES NOT BELIEVE we as a society should have to pay for some other womans lack of control. If you are big enough to lye down and make it, you are big enough to pay for it yourself! Don't make me have to pay for your poor choices.
Yes, I have. Had to have emergency surgery in another country with universal healthcare. I had top notch treatment, stayed in hospital longer to recuperate and it cost 1/4 of what it would have cost here. So I guess the answer to your question is yes, people have seen other countries quality health care systems despite you having not.
That is a ignorant an inaccurate description of intercourse. I believe a man had something to do with it also, but because you choose to blame women for all consequences like the men in Congress, you automatically disqualify yourself with lack of integrity.
I get it, the anti-abortion foes threw their weight around, threatened to scuttle the whole thing, got an ammendment, and are now crowing to their donors. So now the pro-abortion side has to make a big show to their donor base.
But the real tragedy, the real threat to women's (and men's) health would be if the whole bill were sunk and tens of thousands of people continue to die each year from lack of adaquate insurance...all over this trivial little item.
Yes, trivial.
The Stupak ammendment does nothing regarding access to abortion. It has to do with how it is paid for, and in practical terms what it does regarding how it is paid for is essentially nothing.
What the Stupak ammendment says is that abortion coverage must be part of supplemental coverage outside of the exchange rather primary coverage inside the exchange. There will need to be at most maybe an extra page to sign, maybe even just a check box. You won't even have to deal with a second company.
But what about the financial barrier to access? Most companies will probabbly offer the abortion rider for free. Insurance companies see it as a cost savings compared to prenatal and maternity care. And when something will save them money they will make it easy and most likely free.
Maybe people CAN learn. I hold out hope for humanity...
Thank you for admitting that the teabaggers were right.
I feel compelled to offer a little persective to this otherwise useful post:
You say: "As an American citizen I do not believe that the government should have a say in making determinations about what is appropriate for my or anyone else's healthcare as long as I'm following the law."
I say: "As an American citizen I do not believe that the INSURANCE COMPANIES should have a say in making determinations about what is appropriate for my or anyone else's healthcare as long as I'm following the law."
Keep in mind that the Government has no intentions of administering healthcare for profit.
Pick your poison.
I agree with insurance companies deciding what I need and dont need health care wise....but..abortion is an individual moral decision...the Stupak ammendment is not moral..was based on religion and it is an affront against all women...Seperation of church and state
Tis time we women fight back!!!!
i know several women who've had abortions. all elective and paid for out of pocket. and only one of them had more than one. the rest got reliable birth control that they practice religiously . or finally decided they were ready had their children then they or the father chosen to sterilization. to me when you say they take away your choice that means they made it illegal but that's not true. and is this the final bill. if not instead of articles like this write your senators and encourage others that feel the same to do the same.
Congress didnt outlaw abortion. You can still get them. The same way you do now. The federal government just wont pay for them.
Only a 'progressive' would think they have the right to other people's money. ridiculous.
Do you even read the replies.
This is about PRIVATE pay insurance not being allowed to offer abortion services, not government dollars.