Dear Ms. Meyer:
Thank you for contacting me regarding abortion. I appreciate the benefit of your views.
For more than thirty years, there has been a long-standing provision in federal law that prohibits federal dollars from being used to pay for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother. The Senate’s health care reform bill, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), will preserve that prohibition and facilitate coverage choices. The bill would allow consumers to purchase abortion coverage, out of their own pocket, as a part of their individual health plan, while those who do not agree with abortion could choose a different plan. Consumers would need to write a separate check for abortion coverage if they receive any government affordability credits for the rest of their insurance plan. The insurer would then keep money for abortion coverage in a separate account. I support individual choice and therefore support the Senate provisions regarding abortion.
The Senate reform bill also contains a conscience clause for doctors. The conscience clause allows doctors to refuse to perform abortions in most circumstances, if doing so conflicts with their views. Further, it prohibits health plans from discriminating against doctors, based on their choice to provide abortion services or not.
Reforming our nation's health system is not an abortion issue. The Senate bill maintains current federal law in regards to abortion, while bringing our health system into the 21st century, and providing health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans. I support comprehensive health reform to improve quality, reduce cost, and hold insurance companies accountable.
I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Illinoisans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Illinois and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation’s politics.
Sincerely,
Roland W. Burris
United States Senator
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