Four months after it passed in the Senate, the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass a landmark health care reform bill that will extend coverage to 30 million Americans! It includes provisions for affordable family planning and preventative care under Medicaid, greater access to reproductive care, cancer screenings, ending gender discrimination by private insurers and stopping insurers from dropping coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It's definitely something to celebrate!
It is also important to note that the Stupak abortion ban, which would have denied women coverage for abortion, even under private health insurance, was not included in the health reform bill. However, in order to secure votes from conservative Democrats like Rep. Bart Stupak, President Obama has promised to write an executive order that will reaffirm the Hyde Amendment and stop federal funding for elective abortion procedures.
Still, this is a undoubtedly a historic day for America that will hopefully bring visible change to our nation's health!
Also, check out the statement on the health care reform bill from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
~Margaret
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