Abortion and National Health Care

Those involved in framing the Clinton Administration’s health care reform plan say elective abortions will be included in the basic package of medical benefits guaranteed to all Americans.

The measure--one in a series of steps President Clinton has taken to further abortion rights--would extend insurance coverage to poor women who can’t afford abortions.

Abortion foes promise a legislative battle.

Should abortion payments be part of a basic health care package?

Dr. Arthur Southam, president, Careamerica Health Plans, Chatsworth:

“We already offer benefits plans that include family planning services such as abortion. Some of our employer groups choose to offer them, others choose not to. So this proposal will change nothing in terms of our operations. But it could detract from focusing on the broader issues that need to be addressed in health care reform such as getting everyone covered.”

The Rev. Jack Hayford, Church on the Way, Van Nuys:

“I feel very concerned as a taxpayer when monies you are paying in tax would be used for financing elective abortions. It’s one thing to allow abortion, it’s another thing to finance it. We can care for a whole lot of other things. If they’ve got any kind of disease, put it in the package. If they’re going to have a baby, that’s not a disease.”

Gail Hamilton, director, Pregnancy Counseling Center, Reseda:

“The President said at one point he would like to see abortion become a rare thing. This would expand the right to abortion and make abortions even more easily available. It doesn’t fit with what he said. It’s really illogical. The government is now taking an aggressive stance toward abortion rather than a passive one.”

Jan Heidt, mayor, Santa Clarita:

“In other countries where you have this kind of health care, elective abortion is covered. I don’t think abortion should be the government’s business. But it is part of health so it should be part of health care reform. The idea is to have a healthy population.”

Joyce Schorr, vice president, Campaign for Choice, East Valley:

“I think it’s very positive for women. Every woman has a right to have abortion in her health care package. Reproductive health care is a necessity for women. No matter what the insurance plan is, elective abortion should be covered. It is absolutely essential to women’s health to have this service.”

Tracy Bray, clinic assistant, Planned Parenthood, Sherman Oaks:

“I think it’s great. I think the plan should cover abortion completely. It’s about time we had somebody who’s moving on it. A lot of the reason women won’t have abortions is based on money. This will eliminate the need for borrowing money. They won’t have to go to their parents or their boyfriend.”