Tiahrt Pushes For Pro-life Protections In Obamacare Law

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) this week along with Congressman Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) and 50 Members from both parties introduced the Protect Life Act (H.R. 5111) that would apply the Hyde amendment to the Democrat's recently passed healthcare law. The legislation would afford the same pro-life protections that were approved with bipartisan support in the House last year.

"Obamacare is the most pro-abortion piece of legislation ever passed by Congress," said Tiahrt. "This is in stark contrast to the belief held by a majority of Americans who oppose federally-funded abortions -- and it should be amended immediately to reflect the will of the American people. President Obama's fig-leaf executive order does nothing to change current law, and so we must take swift action to reverse this reckless decision by Democrats to devalue human life. With strong support on both sides of the aisle, it is my hope that we can reinstate the Hyde amendment without delay."

Specifically, the Protect Life Act amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to prevent federal funding for abortion or abortion coverage through government exchanges, community health centers, or any other program funded or created by PPACA. Additionally, the bill protects the right of conscience for healthcare professionals and ensures that private insurance companies are not forced to cover abortion.

Rep. Pitts said, "I'm proud to have strong support from both sides of the aisle. I never want protecting life to be a partisan issue."

Tiahrt is the Ranking Republican of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education where all funding requests for healthcare spending must pass through.

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