I was sick last week* and therefore did not finish the posts for Ignorant Male Legislator Week. But just for you, Rep. Bart Stupak, I have extended the deadline.
Mr. Stupak appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” today and vowed to block healthcare reform unless “that kind of language” in the Senate bill is removed. The language he is referring to is the language on abortion courtesy of Senator Ben Nelson (who also makes the Ignorant Male Legislator list). Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, has said of the Nelson language, “If the current Senate language introduced by Senator Ben Nelson is maintained, it would result in the most significant restriction in access to abortion coverage in the nearly 35 years since the U.S. Congress first adopted the Hyde Amendment.”
But “that language” isn’t good enough for Stupak. Nope, Stupak says he and 11 other Democrats are prepared to block healthcare reform unless his even more stringent language from the House bill is included in the final bill. “We’re prepared to take the responsibility,” he said.
Stupak and Nelson are distorting the truth in order to advance their agenda – destroying a woman’s right to choose. Stupak says his bill merely protects current law that bars federal funding for abortion. Not true. His bill is much more restrictive than current law. And he claim’s Nelson’s bill would allow federal funding of abortion. More distortions.
Stupak told George Stephanopoulos, “I want to see health care pass. We must have health care but, boy, there are some principles and beliefs that some of us are not going to pass.”
Bottom line: Mr. Life-is-precious-Stupak is willing to gamble with the lives of all Americans in need of healthcare reform unless his principles and beliefs are adopted. And what does he believe? That women should not have rights.
Watch the GMA interview here. And for in-depth coverage on this unsettling issue, visit RH Reality Check.
*I received treatment because I, unlike tens of millions of Americans, am insured.
