US Election 2024

Obamacare expansion could send taxpayer funds to abortion, pro-life groups warn

Pro-Life Groups Urge Congress to Ensure ACA Subsidies Do Not Fund Abortions

Nearly 100 pro-life organizations are calling on Congress to guarantee that any extension of subsidies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions to prevent the use of taxpayer funds for elective abortions. The coalition, led by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, argues that pro-choice Democrats intentionally crafted the ACA to bypass protections from the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from funding abortions. The coverage for elective abortions in ACA insurance plans comes from cost-sharing reduction payments and premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year.

In a statement, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, emphasized that the majority of Americans, including Democrats, pro-choice voters, and independents, oppose taxpayer funding for abortion. The coalition is concerned that if Americans are compelled to pay for abortion services through the ACA, it would go against the wishes of the public.

When the ACA was initially written, a provision known as Section 1303 aimed to prevent federal funds from financing non-Hyde exempt abortions. However, subsequent guidance during the Obama administration allowed for the commingling of separate abortion premium payments with payments for non-abortion coverage, leading to indirect funding of elective abortions with taxpayer dollars.

President Donald Trump attempted to enforce stricter requirements for separate transactions, but President Biden repealed these measures. The coalition of pro-life groups is urging Congress to uphold Hyde-specific protections for any expansion of the ACA to prevent taxpayer funds from being used for abortions.

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In response to the letter from pro-life groups, Liz McCaman Taylor, senior federal policy counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, argued that the push for Hyde-specific protections would further restrict access to abortion services, particularly in states where abortion is legal. She emphasized that people already face limited access to abortion care through the ACA and criticized the attempt to dictate states’ decisions on healthcare benefits.

The debate over abortion funding in the ACA continues to be a contentious issue, with pro-life advocates advocating for stricter protections to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding elective abortions. It remains to be seen how Congress will address these concerns as they consider future extensions of ACA subsidies.

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