Abortion-Refusal Bill Wins Approval in House

The House passed a bill Wednesday that would let hospitals and insurance companies refuse to perform or pay for abortions without forfeiting Medicare and other federal funding.

Anti-abortion activists hailed the 229-189 vote as a key action that would shield Catholic hospitals and other health providers that oppose abortion. Supporters of abortion rights accused conservatives of attempting to scale back women’s access to the procedure.

The debate provoked strong emotions among lawmakers.

“The question before us is not the question of abortion,” said Rep. W. Todd Akin (R-Mo.). “The question is whether we protect the various health-care organizations, whether we want to protect their right to have a choice, to even have an opinion.”

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) countered: “This bill is not about religious freedom or protecting the right of conscience. This bill is simply about making it harder for women.”

The Bush administration earlier in the day offered its support.

“Hospitals and health care professionals should not be forced to perform or participate in abortions,” the Bush administration said in a statement Wednesday. “This legislation makes clear that they may not be subjected to discrimination by the federal government, or by any state or local government ... because they oppose or choose not to participate in abortions or abortion training.”

It is unlikely the measure will win enough support for passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Supporters have maintained the bill is necessary to clarify entities covered by a conscience clause in current law.

Two Democrats from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur and Dennis J. Kucinich, voted “present” on the bill.