Discriminatory And Wrong

To the Editor:

Joe Lieberman and other conservatives, who have the best insurance policies available paid for by the taxpayers, shouldn’t be hijacking health care to legislate on reproductive rights. We need to focus on health care, and the millions of Americans who need real reform, and leave abortion where it ought to be — a private decision between a woman and her doctor.

The [Stupak/Pitts] amendment would be a major shift in US policy. It doesn’t just extend the status quo, which says no federal funds can cover abortion. It would make insurance coverage for abortion virtually unavailable for millions of women in the new health insurance exchange, even if they’re using their own money for coverage. It’s discriminatory and just plain wrong.

Health care reform will expand access to quality, affordable health care for millions of women. It is absolutely crucial we pass real reform this year. But outlawing coverage for a legal, medical procedure hurts women. And it can’t be in the bill.

Ross Carley

66 Currituck Road, Newtown                                November 18, 2009