Family Research Council Praises House Vote to End Taxpayer Funding of Abortion

January 24, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act," (H.R. 7) sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.). This bill would permanently prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions in Obamacare health plans starting the next plan year. This bill also protects Americans of conscience by requiring the full disclosure of abortion coverage in Obamacare plans so people can make informed decisions about their healthcare plans right now.

Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins responded with the following comments:

"The 115^th Congress has started on strong footing by passing this vital legislation ensuring that no American taxpayer dollars are used to pay for elective abortions. Following an election in which voters chose a pro-life president and a pro-life Congress, our nation is moving toward a new era where all human beings, born and unborn, are protected under the law. Abortion is not healthcare, and should not be funded since we know government funding of abortion increases it. Passage of this bill is a victory not just for taxpayers but women, and their unborn children.

"Today's vote reflects the reality that Americans are becoming more pro-life as science has increased our understanding of the humanity of unborn children. This bill restores the status quo against government funding or subsidizing abortion, a position supported by 61% of Americans.

"For over 40 years, the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life provisions have been renewed annually to prevent federal funds from being used to pay for abortions or healthcare plans which include abortion coverage. For over 40 years, Republicans and Democrats have come together to ensure that despite our differences, we should at least be able to agree that the government should not subsidize abortion. Obamacare violates this longstanding consensus.

"The Senate must take up this bill to ensure that government no longer spends people's hard earned money on insurance with elective abortion. We must pray and work to end abortion in America until every child is welcomed into the world and protected under our laws. Ending taxpayer funding of abortion is a good first step on this journey," concluded Perkins.