Just 42 years after the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that would ban federal funding of abortions.
What does this mean for women? Under the new bill, abortions would not be covered by Medicaid and a woman’s ability to buy private insurance plans that offer abortion care would be restricted. Small businesses would also lose a tax credit, which they currently receive through the Affordable Care Act, if they include abortion coverage in their health insurance plans.
The vote came as tens of thousands of pro-life activists descended on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for the annual "March for Life." The event also coincides with the 42nd anniversary of the famous Roe v. Wade descision, which favored women's access to abortions based on privacy rights in the Constitution.
The bill passed at 242-179 votes, with one Republican voting ‘no’ and three Democrats voting for the legislation. The bill was moved forward and social conservatives rejoiced.
“This is another victory for taxpayers, women, and their unborn children,” the Family Research Council said in a statement.
But will it last? According to the White House, if the bill passes the Senate, President Barack Obama will veto it.
"The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 7," the Statement of Administration Policy reads. "The legislation would intrude on women's reproductive freedom and access to health care; increase the financial burden on many Americans; unnecessarily restrict the private insurance choices that consumers have today; and restrict the District of Columbia's use of local funds, which undermines home rule."
What side of the argument do you fall on, collegiettes? Is it right for this funding to come from taxpayers whether or not abortions are acceptable by their personal moral standards? Or would it be a step back for women if the bill does make it through the White House?
