Affordable Healthcare in U.S. Essay Example
Affordable Healthcare in U.S. Essay Example

Affordable Healthcare in U.S. Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (515 words)
  • Published: November 9, 2021
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Introduction

The text provides essential details about Stupak, such as his birth region and involvement in the Obamacare health debate. However, the primary focus is on the subplot of the fetus removal arrangement within the broader healthcare reform narrative. This subplot reaches a critical point during the close vote on the Affordable Care Act in the United States representatives house on 21 March 2010. At this crucial moment, with the ACA's fate hanging by a thread, Stupak and his small group of prolife Democrats were pressured by Democratic leadership to abandon their controversial stance on abortion and provide their necessary votes for passing the Obamacare bill.

Stupak’s Catholic supporters and his overall supporters increased their pleas for him to remain steadfast, even if it meant delivering a final blow to healthcare reform. On the other hand, Republicans

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opposing Obamacare attempted to exploit the abortion issue as a last-ditch effort to thwart the bill. This situation mirrors the conflicts that Stupak himself encountered while attempting to find middle ground amidst this highly charged atmosphere. Ultimately, he brokered an agreement with President Barack Obama, who consented to incorporating abortion restrictions through an official order in exchange for Stupak and his coalition supporting the ACA. The central topic of discussion in this case revolves around abortion.

Stupak disagreed with the Senate bill because he believed it would allow government funding for abortion in cases beyond assault, incest, or when the mother's life is endangered. The National Right to Life Committee and Roman Catholic Bishops also opposed the bill. Democrats argued that the bill did not exceed current government funding for abortion. In my opinion, opponents of

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abortion were mainly concerned about the insurance "exchanges" created by the bill. These exchanges would offer various insurance options, including plans that cover abortion and those that do not. To address concerns raised by opponents of abortion, Democrats included a provision mandating individuals with abortion coverage to pay a separate fee that would be kept separate from other funds.

Stupak's actions suggest that individuals who currently have medical coverage including abortion services may lose that coverage. Those against the amendment argue that private individuals' premiums would pay for abortions, which are not covered by the Hyde Amendment. After careful analysis, it is clear that the Stupak Pitts Amendment would eliminate medically necessary abortion coverage for all women, not just those receiving subsidies or participating in the exchange. The amendment's restrictions would hinder the insurance industry's ability to offer supplemental abortion coverage and impact states' ability to provide Medicaid beneficiaries with such coverage. Another concern arises regarding private insurance companies potentially denying coverage for other procedures if there is a connection to abortion, especially in cases where serious medical conditions lead to an abortion.

References

  1. House passes Obama-backed health bill, 219-212. National Right to Life Committee; 21 Mar 2010.
  2. Keenan, Nancy. Statement on Health Reform; NARAL Pro-Choice America; 21 Mar 2010.
  3. Man on a Wire: Bart Stupak Walks a Tight Line Between Obamacare ; Abortion.
  4. Stupak, Bart. "Why I wrote the ‘Stupak amendment’ and voted for health-care reform." Washington Post; 21 Mar 2010.
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