House committee approves anti-abortion provision
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press
Last Updated: July 14, 2004, 03:55:00 PM PDT
WASHINGTON (AP) - A House committee gave abortion opponents a victory Wednesday, voting to making it easier for hospitals, health insurers and others to refuse to provide or cover abortions.
The Republican-run House Appropriations Committee added the provision to a massive spending bill by voice vote after abortion-rights lawmakers led by Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., concluded they lacked the votes to block it. The language would bar any of the bill's funds from going to federal, state or local agencies that act against health care providers or insurers because they do not provide abortions, make abortion referrals or cover them.
"This is an issue of conscience," said Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., a doctor who sponsored the language.
His amendment was added to a bill providing $142.5 billion next year for health, education and labor programs. That total reflects a $3.1 billion, or 2 percent, increase over this year's spending. The committee approved the overall bill by voice vote, sending it to the full House.
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