AUL's Statement on New House Health Care Bill

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement by Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest:

"Just as Americans United for Life had expected, the new House health care bill unveiled this morning includes the Capps Amendment language added during the Energy and Commerce Committee mark-up. This bill will explicitly allow federal funding of abortion through the public option and permits federal subsidies to go to private insurance plans that cover abortion. The bill also ensures that at least one health insurance plan must cover abortion in every area of the country."

Dr. Yoest continued, "These provisions create a dramatic change from the status quo -- currently no federal dollars are used to pay for elective abortions or plans that cover abortion. Now, more than ever, pro-life members of Congress must demand the opportunity to vote on the Stupak/Pitts Amendment to prohibit abortion funding. Explicit language must be added to this health care bill to prevent unprecedented federal funding of abortion."

About Americans United for Life
The first national pro-life organization in America, Americans United for Life has been involved in every life-related case before the Supreme Court beginning with Roe v. Wade. Americans United for Life is the organization that successfully defended the Hyde Amendment before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1980. Americans United for Life's legislative arm, AUL Action recently met with the White House and has been meeting with Members of Congress about our concerns regarding abortion in health care. For more information please visit AUL's blog or our health care website: www.realhealthcarerespectslife.com.