Oklahoma Lawmakers Oppose Abortion Provision in Health Care Bill

Oklahoma&#39;s U.S. lawmakers are speaking out against a provision of the health care reform bill. It calls for insurance plans to cover abortions. <BR><BR><A href="http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=10848506">Oklahomans Speak Out On Health Care Reform</A> | <A href="http://www.news9.com/global/Story.asp?s=10821378">A Look at&nbsp;Health Care Plans in Congress</A> | <A href="http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=10853365">Health Care Debate: How Many Actually Uninsured?</A>

Wednesday, August 5th 2009, 6:08 pm

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma's U.S. lawmakers are speaking out against a provision of the health care reform bill. It calls for insurance plans to cover abortions.

It is a controversial provision because it could fund elective abortions, overriding current state laws. The health care reform bill debate is heating up across the country. Americans are concerned about the cost and the impact.

Now, one Oklahoma U.S. Senator said there is a red flag among pro-life supporters.

"I don't believe in abortion to start with, but it's even worse when it's either federally funded or mandated and this is both," Senator Jim Inhofe said.

Senator Inhofe does not support the proposed health care reform bill for a number of reasons including the part that covers abortions.

"It requires all insurance companies to pay for abortions even late term abortions," Sen. Inhofe said.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin is also alarmed by the provisions. She's concerned the bill has gone too far.

"I believe it would supersede even state laws that we have passed here in Oklahoma legislature dealing with pro-life issues," said Rep. Mary Fallin.

There are a number of pro life laws in Oklahoma. Taxpayers are not required to fund abortions except to save the woman's life or in the case of rape or incest. Another law prohibits health insurance coverage for elective abortions.

U.S Senator Tom Coburn is on the Senate Health Committee that approved the abortion bill. He was one senator who voted against the abortion provision, and his amendment to prevent nullification of state pro-life laws was voted down.

NEWS 9 contacted the local Planned Parenthood to get their take on the abortion bill, but did not receive a response.

More on News9.com:

- Oklahomans Speak Out On Health Care Reform 
- A Look at Health Care Plans in Congress
- Health Care Debate: How Many Actually Uninsured?

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