Bill protects pro-life health workers

Pro-lifers applauded a Congressional provision passed in November that offers a measure of protection for pro-life health workers and insurers. The provision – called the Weldon-Hyde Conscience Protection Amendment – was part of a $388 million spending bill passed by the House and Senate on Nov. 20.

The provision blocks any of the bill’s money from going to federal, state or local agencies that require health care workers or insurers to provide or suggest abortions.

“This policy simply states that health care entities should not be forced to provide elective abortions, a practice to which a majority of health care providers object and which they will not perform as a matter of conscience,” said Rep. David Weldon, R-Fla., a doctor who sponsored the provision. “This provision is meant to protect health care entities from discrimination because they choose not to provide abortion services.

Weldon said the measure was a way to refine and strengthen decades-old restrictions against federal funding for most types of abortions.

Democrats complained about the measure, claiming the bill infringed on women’s “rights.” “The Weldon amendment is essentially a domestic gag rule, restricting access to abortion counseling, referral and information,” said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California. “Health care companies should not be able to prevent doctors from giving medically necessary information.”

Pelosi did not comment on when she thought an elective abortion would be “medically necessary.”

— E.P. News