Sunday September 13, 2009

President Obama's health care reform bill has sparked several rumors. Those rumors include coverage for immigrants and so-called "death panels" for senior citizens. But in his speech on Wednesday, he dispelled one rumor by making it clear that "no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions."

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops commended Obama for his words. However, it is not religious reasons alone that have those voting for the bill, like Representative Tom Perriello (D-5th District), concerned.

"I will not support a bill that provides federal funds for abortions," Perriello told the Newsplex Sunday. "The Hyde Amendment protections have been part of somewhat of a truce over the culture war over the years."

His reference to the Hyde Amendent has served as a platform of neutrality between Democrats and Republicans since 1976 when it was first passed.

The amendment explicitly details that "none of the funds appropriated under this Act shall be expended for any abortion except...to save the life of the mother or...is the result of an act of rape or incest."

But fiscal concerns also have Perriello apprehensive. "[Federal funds for abortion are] not central to the health care plan in that sense. I think what most people are focused on is this question on how to bring the cost down."

Sunday on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulus", Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius defended Obama's words.

"There's no intent to change the language that's in the current Medicaid statute, which has been there for years and provides insurance to millions of Americans," Sebelius said.

However, Perriello maintains that many more changes need to be made to Obama's current bill before he votes yes. These amendments include cost containment and more competition between insurance companies for citizens.