Abortion in the Health Care Reform Bill: Who is telling the truth?
'We understand why children are afraid of darkness but why are people afraid of light?' ~Plato
Since our president's blog has transcended from being a campaign vehicle to a mouthpiece for promoting his agenda to and through the public, then it should be presumed (as he has constantly reminded us) that he wants all points of views and all parties "at the table" to put together reform. The current agenda, as seen on this homepage, is health care reform.
Unfortunately, strategy meetings at the white house have not included all parties but, rather, those individuals from organizations such as Planned Parenthood who have helped him form his personal views and political policies. In the latest of these meetings, attendees were told to remind them (that would be you and me) why we needed his reform package. This doesn't sound like bringing all parties to the table. It is definitely not collaboration in the democratic sense, which Princeton University's Wordnet defines as coaction or acting jointly ( http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=collaboration&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o7=&o5=&o1=1&o6=&o4=&o3=&h= ) . However, the second definition given of collaboration perhaps is more fitting: "act of cooperating traitorously with an enemy that is occupying your country" . From that view, we can then understand his private strategy sessions with those who have helped form his reform package, and then public appearances before audiences of those with opposing views (identified by the media as conservatives, and by Janet Napolitano as terrorists). This, however, is not collaboration but, rather, the same old politics we have always had in this country. It is simply
It just so happens that Honey Alexander, wife of Senator Lamar Alexander, was the first name on my list. As I read her bio, I couldn't help thinking that we would probably agree on many issues, especially those impacting children. This letter asks wives of senators to prevail upon their husbands to consider healthcare from a woman's point-of-view. I decided to name this letter DEAR HONEY, underscoring the role wives play in the consciousness of their husbands. A note from MadamaAmbi, author of this letter.
"Recently I saw a pregnant woman I will call Lillian, a 22-year-old who brought her two children with her to the ER. Lillian has a full-time job whose health insurance doesn't cover pregnancy. She can't afford to cover herself and her family on the individual market, and she makes too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Lillian came to the ER because she wants to make sure her baby is okay. A friend with better insurance advised her that she should have an ultrasound. I discharged Lillian with worry. I know that she will have a difficult time finding standard prenatal care. Without that help, she and her baby are at much higher risk for complications, like low birth weight, that can turn into tragedy. Or Lillian's health might suffer. I am embarrassed by how many women die in childbirth in the U.S. — at 15.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, our rate is higher than most developed nations. Most women in America will spend roughly 35 years of her life preventing pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, having children, or recovering from pregnancy. She might also face a sexually transmitted disease ~ or a common condition of the reproductive system, like fibroids or polyps. Her health insurance will not help her with any of these basic needs, yet we still call it health insurance. Although women comprise more titan half of the U.S. population, many insurers treat their medical care as an exception to the rule, charging them more, to stay healthy than men and refusing to cover basic reproductive services. When women do not receive gynecological care, they get sick when they could have easily and inexpensively been kept well. Just as she needs to be in good cardiovascular health, a woman must be in good reproductive health whether or not she is trying to got pregnant. An undetected problem in the reproductive system can have devastating consequences. Two of my colleagues have had patients who went without ob/gyn checkups because they could not afford health insurance. By the time they saw a doctor, their cervical cancer had already spread too far to save their lives. One of these women was in her 50s. The other was 28. A woman's reproductive health affects her throughout her life; it is inextricable from her overall well-being. Reproductive health care is a necessity that too many women have gone without for too long. And when women get sick and die, their children feel the impact, as do their spouses, employers, and everyone else who depends on them. I was disappointed but not surprised by the following survey finding: 52 percent of women in our country did not visit a doctor when they had a medical problem or went without a needed prescription or follow-up care because they could not afford these services. I have worked in Philadelphia's emergency rooms since 2002. where I have treated women of all ages who have nowhere else to go for fundamental care. Every day our department treats at least 10 women who come to the ER for pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. These women have to pretend that they have emergency stomach pain or bleeding so that they can get a little bit of obstetric attention, In the rush to develop legislation for health care reform, our senators and representatives must not forget the health of half their constituents. Every private and public insurance plan must guarantee the same set of reproductive services to every woman. We can't keep Lillian and the rest of the women in this country healthy and alive without taking care of their reproductive health."
We need think of abortion in this context. What if it was necessary to save the life of the mother? I think some of these young women need to go before Congress, No one has the right to make decisions for women like this. Can you imagine the health care bills these young women have already? My daughter's bill is like a house payment that never ends. These young women would die because they can't be treated.
A diagnosis that, came in fairly often was TAB. They were always white women, well-dressed, beautiful hair and nails, usually a fur coat if it was winter, and always a private doctor. I never could find out what that acronym stood for. No one wanted to share. Eventually, an intern on the ob-gyn floor told me it stood for therapeutic abortion. He also explained it didn't necessarily mean something was wrong with the mother or the fetus (I asked, because the woman I had just admitted wasn't sick looking).
Abortion is not for me, BUT, I will defend to the death anyone's right to have a safe and legal abortion and a doctor's right to give someone that abortion and have it covered by insurance. The lies and scare tactics being used make me sick and angry. I just wish that everyone would remember that there were abortions before they were legal. There were also many, many tragedies—hemorrhaging to death, septicemia, ruptured uterus, etc., because they didn't have insurance or a doctor to do a TAB.
Whether you believe in the right for a woman to have an abortion or not, a very large segment of the population believes it is wrong. So, if you're trying to pass a sweeping, historic and controversial healthcare bill, why would you give your opponents the ammunition they need to shoot it down? Including abortion coverage in the current healthcare bill language is the surest way to abort this healthcare bill right on the Senate floor.
It's a move so unwise that I wonder if the Democratic leaders really want this bill passed. We live in a democracy and the voices of those who oppose abortion are not neccessarily those that oppose universal health coverage. However, by covering abortion, the Democratic party is building a bridge between these two camps.
I myself am on the fence when it comes to abortion, but I had been a rabid supporter of universal health coverage. I'm a member of this site, I gave money to the campaign. If this new move gives me pause, imagine how it galvanizes those independents who we desperately need to support this bill.
Honestly, between the Cambridge police incident and inclusion of abortion in this healthcare bil, I wonder if the White House has taken the George Bush approach to ignoring polls.
As the healthcare debate rages in this country - and particularly here in my home turf of Wisconsin - note this little-noticed but not off-point matter:
The federal Pregnant Women Support Act is on tap in Congress. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov, key in bill number HR 2035 {house}, or S 270 {senate}. This bill may not be to the liking of everyone, but from what I’ve heard [and I fully admit I haven't read the bill myself, at least not yet], it’s that very rare piece of women-and-pregnancy-focused legislation that’s supported by both pro-choice and pro-life groups. Among its provisoions, I understand that it would:
• Repeal the sunset on adoption tax credits and make them permanent • Fully fund the federal WIC Program, Special Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children• Increase funding for domestic violence programs• End the denial to pregnant women of health care from insurance companies because of "pre-existing conditions”• Establish a national toll-free number and public awareness campaign to offer women support and knowledge about options and resources available to them when they face an unplanned pregnancy• Provide new mothers with free home visits by registered nurses• Help pregnant high-school and college students stay in school, offering them counseling as well as assistance with continuing their education, parenting support and classes, and child care assistance.• Codify the current regulation allowing states to provide State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) coverage to unborn children and their mothers
Among supporters of the PWSA are:
Dear Senator Boxer:
I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan not only for your stance on issues impacting women and girls, but also because you're courageous and know how to handle your colleagues and the press with sechel! (I hope I've spelled that correctly.) I used to live in the Bay Area but am now retired in Phoenix. I am a longtime feminist now getting very vocal in "cyberfeminism." Although there are many capable leaders in women's movement, none of them have the moxie you do, or the leverage. I'm writing to tell you that YOU'RE IT! Yes, dear Senator, You Are It. You are the obvious person to step forward and speak for women when current events focus worldwide attention on issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. In my review of the landscape, there is no one else who can take the podium or the microphone or the spotlight and do it as skillfully, as eloquently, and as powerfully as you can.I'm going to mount a campaign to put this idea out to online feminists, and I'll update you on where I'm posting and who else is weighing in on the issue. If you think that other members of Congress should take the podium with you, like Maxine Waters or another woman of color, I hope you will recruit them. If you think that there are men in Congress who should stand with you, please recruit them. Speak for women, Senator Boxer. You're it.
ter⋅ror⋅ism /ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ter-uh-riz-uhm] Show IPA –noun 1. the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes. 2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization. 3. a terroristic method of governing or of resisting a government. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/terrorism
The murder of Dr. George Tiller is THE classic definition of Terrorism.1. the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
Upcoming doctors are AFRAID they or their families will be harmed if they provide abortions.2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization.
"Carhart, 67, is one of a handful of remaining doctors in the United States who perform third-trimester abortions, and it is uncertain if a new generation of providers will take over the cause. Schools and universities don't offer many programs to train physicians on how to perform the procedure, and Carhart said younger doctors who might be interested in stepping forward are afraid they or their families will be harmed."http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090603/ap_on_re_us/us_the_next_tiller/print
The alleged murderer of Dr. George Tiller had a bigger agenda than simply murdering a man. His earlier problems with the law concerning his involvement with some Pro-Life groups attest to that fact. This alleged murderer not only conveyed his message of terror to Doctors, but also to the Government, IMO.3. a terroristic method of governing OR OF RESISTING A GOVERNMENT.
Abortion is LEGAL in this country!
However, these terrorist acts are making an impact.
How many more Doctors will be intimidated into refusing to perform a legal and needed operation before the legality of abortion doesn't matter anymore?When will laws start being used equitably?When will the murderers of Doctors that perform abortions going to be called and charged with what they are?
Terrorists.
Why isn't Dr. Tiller's alleged murderer also charged with terrorism?
He IS a Terrorist!
If you don't believe ME; try checking out the dictionary sometime.
Women across the country have lost a champion today. The cold-blooded murder of Dr. George Tiller this morning in church is a stark reminder that women's bodies are still a battleground, and health care professionals are on the frontlines.
This kind man and skilled doctor braved blockades, harassment, assault, and countless threats, including an attempted murder in 1993 when he was shot in both arms. He knew his life was in constant jeopardy, and that he would likely die at the hands of an anti-abortion terrorist -- yet he continued to protect his patients and provide safe and legal abortions to women in often-desperate circumstances. Those who are behind this murder may believe that the killing of George Tiller will mean that these women will have nowhere else to turn, but they are wrong. On the contrary, I believe their depraved acts will inspire another doctor to take up the torch, and another, and another.
Dr. Tiller's slaying is the most recent in a string of murders in the service of the anti-abortion cause, and hundreds of people have been injured or threatened because they provide legal abortion services. Bringing the killers to justice is not enough - the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security must root out and prosecute as domestic terrorists and violent racketeers the criminal enterprise that has organized and funded criminal acts for decades. We call on the new attorney general Eric Holder and head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to treat these murders in the same way they would treat politically-motivated domestic terrorism of any other kind and put the full resources of their two departments behind that effort.
Today is a Day of Mourning for Dr. Tiller as well as a National Day of Commitment for all who believe abortion must remain both safe and legal -- who believe women have the right and indeed the moral obligation to make their own childbearing decisions. We urge individuals to wear white armbands all day tomorrow, Monday, June 1, in memory of Dr. Tiller and as a visible expression of determination to redouble our commitment to protecting the right to safe and legal birth control and abortion.
May 18, 2009
To my recollection, the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice argument originally was derived out of the early roaring 20s, 30s, 40s and 1950s careless and accidental deaths, when back in the day, we had Midwives and Witch Doctors practicing medicine and performing surgeries without proper education and a license. Some women were dying at the hands of these people who declared themselves a Nurse or Doctor.
This, for or against life argument reminds me of my teenager and young adult children who can’t seem to make up their mind on what they want to be when they grow up. My children are one minute For a Life choice and one minute For choosing to do something else. You can’t make them choose one or the other because it really depends on their life circumstance at that day and time.
As a parent, I get very frustrated and tired of my children pulling me to support them on this and that and I feel that We Citizens, Congress and our President ought not to be allowing the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups push us around either.
The Pro-Life and Pro-Choice argument only needs what our Republican Chairman Steele mentioned on “Meet The Press” and that is Tort Reform, Insurance and Pharmaceuticals invited to the table to assist with Health Care Reform.
I know you Pro-Life parents are concerned for the health and welfare of women and I know you Pro-Choice parents are just as concerned for your women as well. Both of you groups have women in your lives that may take the Pro-Life and/or Pro-Choice position and you will have no control over their decision that may go either way in the near future.
I repeat, You Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups should cease taking such a stand-off position because you can’t predict what your own future holds for you and your family members to bet that your daughters, aunts, cousins, sisters or nieces won’t want to enjoy either of your positions. I know for sure you can’t place that bet. No one knows what the future will bring us but we can all take measures to guard against mal-practice of medical procedures and bad medicine that occurred back in the day.
“YES WE CAN BE FOR BOTH.” Yes, we Citizens, Congress and President Obama can be for Pro-Life when our women are faced with having to make that decision if she wants. Yes, we Citizens, Congress and President Obama can be for Pro-Choice when our women and girls are faced with having to make that decision if she wants too. “YES WE CAN!”
Back in the day, I made decisions to have a baby and I made a decision to have an abortion too. I appreciated the freedom to make my choices and I appreciated my parents and friends support of my decisions. Thank God I escaped the “Terrorist and Home Grown Bombers” of Abortion Clinics back then.
The bottom line is… Our daughters, nieces and our grandchildren are to be treated with respect and proper care and be able to receive professional medical treatment for whatever her decision.
Sincerely,
When I was young I spent a lot of time protesting against civil rights issues. As I matured I began to redirect my energy toward supporting victims of domestic violence and rape, by walking and raising money for diabetic research and March of dimes. I am a woman of faith. I believe that life starts at conception. I do not believe in abortion for myself. I felt so strongly that I had a tubal ligation after having twins at the age of 25. I did not want more children and birth control did not work for me and I did not want to be confronted with the decision to bring children into the world that I could not afford or did not want. The most important thing was that I made the decision. No one made it for me.
When a woman becomes pregnant it is a major event and I don’t believe that the decision women make is made without much thought and deliberation and I don’t think that the pain is ever lifted from their heart. It follows them throughout their lives. Unfortunately there are many teenage mothers. Most of these children are trying to feel an empty hole in them, seeking love in all the wrong places.
I believe that protest open dialogue and I hope President Obama is willing to sit down and discuss this issue with individuals that do not support abortion and supporters of a women’s right to choose. However I also wonder how much time these individuals have spent time talking to teenagers that have become pregnant. I wonder how many visit schools and open forums for discussions. I wonder how many churches in the area reach out and accept these individuals in their church, but most importantly how many through their actions show unwed mothers the forgiveness and love of God because I am certain if the church reaches out to teenagers, mentors them, supports them, leads them to Christ so that they will see the amazing love of God that we will reduce teenage pregnancy, that we will reach and touch lives and we will decrease the abortion rate in this country.
My thoughts: Exercise your right to protest but spend time understanding the issue because it is not black and white. We would all like to dig our heads in the dirt and just say you must choose life but there must be early intervention, support systems, programs set up by the church and other groups. Groups that make millions of dollars on abortion offer more support to pregnant women than those of us that believe in the preservation of life. The church cannot ignore the issue. We cannot afford to sit and judge instead of reaching out. When we stand up in love and not judgment and each of us begins to support and mentor our young then we will begin to decrease the rate of abortion in this country and around the world.
Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates
www.claudettemilner.com
Oenajasm acmake
by Steven Ertelt LifeNews.com Editor March 31, 2009_pub = 'sertelt';
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The only two Democratic members of the U.S Senate who are not strong abortion advocates like the rest of their party's caucus have sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him not to rescind the conscience protections on abortion that President Bush put in place.
Sens. Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania sent Obama a letter last week telling him that the Provider Conscience Clause should remain.
That is the collection of new regulations the Bush administration put on the books to provide better enforcement of three federal laws making sure medical staff and facilities are not forced to participate in abortions.
The White House announced in February that Obama is starting the process of overturning the protections and he will make a final decision after the public comment period expires in April. Pro-life advocates have been actively responding to the proposal...more
VIEW RELATED BLOG: http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=13358
Idol young people who have delayed educations, inadequate educations, and difficulty finding jobs are expected to delay marrying and having families. This fights biology as a persons most fertile period is in their late teens and early 20s. We need to analyze and deal with these facts.
Personally as a pediatrician, I found the highest teen birth rates in three groups. 1. Teens in distressed families (drug addict or absent parents [not single moms], poverty where parents are working 2-3 jobs, overextended and therefore technically absent and rich parents with unsupervised kids); 2. Teens in very religious families relying on abstinence, that wouldn't talk about sex, leaving kids to figure it out on their own (these kids constantly were super rebellious); and 3. idol teens who had no hobbies except hanging out with friends and who had self-esteem problems such that they would do anything to appear popular.
The saddest case that is a commentary on how we talk but don't help distressed teens and families was an eighth grade girl who told me she purposely got pregnant because she wanted someone to "love her." She had lived mainly on the streets taking care of herself in South Carolina (the bible belt) where social services were inadequate to help her. Her parents were unavailable. The churches, schools, and social services viewed her as important and worthwhile as a dead dog. What do you expect! Three girls in her class were pregnant that year.
Until we promote individual worth; provide adequate eduation so that kids are motivated to learn and therefore kept busy with self motivation(our high school education is like a junior high education in most civilized countries - teachers are in general miserably undertrained); teach kids the value of being involved with others and with activities such as the arts, volunteering, involvement with government and social services, gardening, sports without a goal of being a major leager; teach that community and family is more important than self and instant gratification or material goods; promote a village atmosphere where people in one small neighborhood or a few blocks in a city know each other, meet regularly with each other (difficult with two jobs and long commutes) and help each other (70 % of Americans don't know their neighbors); make real job training and jobs available to young men and women; reform laws so that like in Europe women can stay home with a child the first two years of life and still have a job available and career available when they return to work, we will make no progress in regards to teen births or abortions.
We need to shift our priorities and donations to the REAL problems that result in teen pregnancies and abortions. If we simply fight about ideology nothing will be accomplished. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Perhaps it is time to agree to disagree on ideology and work together on issues that we all agree upon!
The benefits would be enormous. We would not just deal with teen pregnancies and reduce abortions, we would reduce crime and increase our countries productivity saving huge amounts of money and rebuilding our economy.
