Saturday, the House passed a health care reform bill with a stipulation that no federal money can be used to pay for abortions.
An amendment would ban coverage of abortions for those who enroll in a new government-funded insurance plan and those who qualify for government subsidies to buy private policies. Abortion coverage would be allowed in cases of rape or incest and to save a woman’s life.
Women can choose to buy a separate abortion coverage plan using their own money.
Why should my hard-earned tax dollars pay for some other woman’s abortion?
Because I support a woman’s right to choose.
Because I trust women of all ages, races, nationalities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses to make the decision that is best for them, their families and their circumstances.
Because a woman shouldn’t be denied a legal health procedure because she can’t pay for it. (An abortion can cost anywhere from $350 to $900 in the first trimester, not including complications.)
Because pregnancy should not be a threat or a punishment for being sexual.
Because a pregnancy should not be something to fear.
Because the seriousness of choosing to have a child or not cannot be decided by splitting hairs on the floor of Congress.
Because even though the government health plan covers abortions of pregnancies resulting from rape, what if the attacker is my husband?
Because a woman is more than a vessel for children and a man is more than a sower of them.
Because abortion isn’t always the answer.
Because I want a doctor who can concentrate on my needs, rather than regulations or a pay plan.
Because programs that provide important health services for women should not be restricted simply because they give women all their options for family planning, including abortion.
Because many women are sexually active.
Because you are a sexually active woman. Or might be in the future.
Because accidents happen — condoms break, pills are forgotten — but they don’t have to define a person forever.
Because you have had an abortion. Or thought about it. Or know someone who has.
Because abortions are more common than you think. (Planned Parenthood says one in three women have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old.)
Because abortions should not be secret, and pregnancies should not be shameful.
Because I value women’s lives; if someone chooses this procedure, I want it done safely, with both her physical and mental health as a top concern and in the best hands.
Because I value women’s potential and their futures — in careers, in families — and want them to have every opportunity to reach them in their own way, on their own time, and on their own terms.
Jessica Fuller is asSecond-year journalism graduate student from Greensboro. Email her at jvfuller@gmail.com
