WASHINGTON (AP) — The compromise on abortion funding restrictions that could mean passage of a health care overhaul bill is generating new criticism from both sides of the debate.
The compromise tries to maintain a strict separation between taxpayer funds and private premiums that would pay for abortion coverage. It would also allow states to restrict coverage for abortion in new insurance marketplaces.
The National Right to Life Committee says the new Senate language won't pass in the House, where anti-abortion Democrats have a crucial bloc of votes.
On the other side is NARAL Pro-Choice America, which calls the new abortion restrictions "unacceptable."
The Senate compromise was reached after intense negotiations with Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson who had threatened to vote against health care reform unless abortion funding restrictions were tightened.
%@AP Links
Sound:
<<CUT …170 (12/19/09)>> 00:22 "''
Ross Simpson
A Senate compromise that adds tougher abortion restrictions to health care reform legislation is drawing fire from both sides of the issue. AP Correspondent Ross Simpson reports.
<<CUT …171 (12/19/09)>> 00:35 "''
Ross Simpson, AP correspondent
There's a compromise in the Senate over health care legislation, with the addition of new restrictions on abortion. AP Correspondent Ross Simpson reports.
<<CUT …173 (12/19/09)>> 00:14 "from taxpayer money"
Ross Simpson
AP Correspondent Ross Simpson reports the compromise measure creates a mechanism to segregate funds that would be used to pay for abortions from federal subsidy dollars.
<<CUT …102 (12/19/09)>> 00:16 "very effective manner"
Senator Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska
Senator Ben Nelson says the health care reform package will not provide funding for abortions.
<<CUT …103 (12/19/09)>> 00:17 "make those bans"
Senator Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska
Senator Ben Nelson says protecting states that prohibit or restrict abortion funding was crucial to winning his support.
<<APPHOTO DCHH161 (12/19/09)>>
: Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., speaks with reporters following the announcement that he will support the health care bill on Capitol Hill in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009.
<<GRAPHICSBANK 189684 (01/10/92)>> 512x482
National Abortion Rights Action League logo, graphic element on gray
