Blue Dog Dems Break Out The Coat Hangers

In a stunning betrayal of women's rights, Democratic leadership in the House will allow a vote on an amendment that would ban insurance providers from covering abortion services.

From the Washington Post:

House Democratic leaders agreed Friday night to settle an impasse over abortion by letting the entire House vote on a proposed solution, a risky decision that could determine the fate of their trillion-dollar overhaul of the nation's health care system.

Under the agreement, anti-abortion Democrats will be permitted to offer an amendment on the House floor to the health-care overhaul bill. The amendment would prohibit a new government-run insurance plan created by the health-care bill from offering to cover abortion services, congressional sources said. It would also block people who received federal subsidies for the purchase of health insurance from buying policies that offered coverage for abortions.

The deal clears the way for the dozens of Democratic lawmakers who oppose abortion to lend their support to the health care package, the most dramatic expansion of health coverage in more than 40 years. It also satisfies the demands of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which had threatened to oppose the House bill.

If the amendment from Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) passes, said Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the bishops conference, "we become enthusiastic advocates for moving forward with health care reform."

The amendment is expected to pass with the combined support of more than 40 anti-abortion Democrats and virtually every House Republican. That likelihood meant that leaders of the much larger group of Democrats who support abortion rights were not happy to learn of the deal.

"There will be no abortion, not just with public funds, but with private funds under the public option, and that's not acceptable," said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.).

I am beyond outraged. Beyond angry. I worked for nearly a year, hosted dozens of phone banks in my home, canvassed and tabled countless weekends, all to support Obama's health care plan, and this is what we get? A return to back alley abortions and coat hangers for all but those lucky few who can foot the bill themselves?

WTF?

Call your reps and tell them to vote NO on this healthcare bill if the Stupak amendment passes. 1-877-851-6437, 1-800-828-0498, or 1-800-614-2803. Ask for the office you would like to speak to.