N.J. Congressman Worried About Abortion Language In Healthcare Plan

By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) took issue Thursday morning with President Obama’s address to Congress. Smith, a member of the Pro-Life Caucus and one of the strongest opponents of abortion in the House of Representatives, argued that the President did not do enough to erase doubts that his admistration’s healthcare plan will include funding for abortions.

“Americans do not want to be complicit in the dismemberment or chemical poisoning of unborn children… public funding and facilitating [of abortions] can in no way be construed as health care reform,” said Smith.

Smith claimed that Wednesday’s address was merely a repeat of an August 19 conference call, when the President told members of the ‘40 Days for Health Reform’ Coalition, “You’ve heard this is going to be government funding of abortion, not true.”

Smith argued that the plan would allow abortions to be covered under the public option and by federally subsidized private plans. Smith cited the Capps Amendment, which would protect abortion coverage and would include federal funding and federal subsidies for the facilitation of abortions.

Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), who spoke after Smith, said that the amendments he has submitted to the President’s plan during the course of the past few months are, “Not about the legality or illegality of abortion… this is [health care reform] keeping the government out of the abortion business.”