Dr. Coburn Disappointed Senate Votes to Force Taxpayers to Fund Abortion in Health Care Bill

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) released the following statement today after the Senate defeated an amendment by U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) that would have removed a provision from Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-NV) health reform bill that will force taxpayers to finance abortion. The Senate defeated the Nelson amendment by a vote of 54 to 45, retaining the Reid language allowing taxpayer funding of abortion.

"I'm disappointed my colleagues voted to preserve this radical provision that will, for the first time, force taxpayers to fund other American's abortions with public funds. This provision is an affront to not just the millions of Americans who oppose abortion, but those who believe it is wrong to force anyone to fund abortion with public funds," Dr. Coburn said. "I commend Senator Nelson for offering this amendment. I hope those who voted against his amendment will rethink their position and realize they are on the wrong side of history, justice and common sense."

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