Senate Committee Holds Fast for Abortion

By G. Tracy Mehan, III

Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee haven't heard the news that more Americans call themselves pro-life than pro-choice, according to the Gallup organization.

Yesterday, in a 13-10 vote, every Democrat but one, Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota, opposed an amendment to health care legislation that would have codified a ban on abortion with exceptions. Conversely, every Republican but one, Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, supported the amendment, which was offered by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the committee, argued that his bill already prohibits abortion with exceptions; but Senator Hatch aimed to make the restrictions permanent, rather than being subject to annual debate and vote in funding bills.

As disappointing as this was, even more so was a similar vote against a conscience clause provision protecting health care personnel who object to abortions on moral grounds...

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