Two Jewish organizations are opposing an amendment to House health care legislation restricting federal funding of abortion. The National Council of Jewish Women and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism say the provision should be taken out of the bill.
The amendment bans any government funds from going toward abortion except in the cases of rape, incest and when the mother’s life is in danger. It prohibits anyone who receives a government subsidy to buy insurance from purchasing a plan that includes abortion.
NCJW called the amendment a “draconian” provision and an “egregious assault on the rights of women and an enormous step backward for those who believe in the separation of religion and state.” — jta