The Affordable Care Act and Abortion

Understandably, there are many mistakes, misconceptions, and just plain confusion concerning the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).  This has also been the case in the past when, for example, another big law, Medicare part D, was introduced during the George W. Bush administration.  Although Democrats had many questions about the prescription drug benefit, they eventually supported it and actively encouraged constituents to apply for the benefit.

This has not been the case with the other side of the aisle when it comes to the Affordable Care Act.  Purposeful confusion, misconceptions and downright lies from the Republicans have exacerbated what can already be a confusing law for many.  Rather than clarify misunderstandings about the Affordable Care Act, Republicans in turn have done everything in their power to sabotage the law -- a law that can bring health care benefits to many who, up until now, have been unable to afford such coverage.  Note the efforts of the House Republican caucus to repeal the law at least 50 times!

Thus, we have health care issues that have been totally misrepresented as they pertain to the Affordable Care Act.  Take abortion, for example.  The Affordable Care Act does nothing "to restrict or expand existing abortion law, while ensuring that federal funds cannot be used for abortion coverage or care."  Specifically, the following is true:

"-Health plans cannot be required to cover abortion
-No federal funds for abortion coverage or abortion care
-No federal funds for abortion coverage in the community health insurance option
-Enrollees are guaranteed access to varied coverage in the exchanges
-No preemption of state or federal laws regarding abortion
-Conscience protections for providers and facilities"
(from www.dpc.senate.gov/healthreformbill/healthbill18.pdf)

This is not to say that I agree with the exceptions created for the health care procedure of abortion in the Affordable Care Act.  To wit:

1.  Whatever must be decided about a woman's pregnancy is between herself and her doctor.  It has been said, "If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament."  Until the time when men can get pregnant, it is the woman who gets to make the decision about what happens with her body and her pregnancy.  Whether or not that decision includes an abortion is up to the woman.  Everyone else, keep your hands off!

2.  An abortion is a medical procedure that very few, if any, women who, growing up, would wish to have done.  The reason for that is not because it isn't a safe procedure.  Within Planned Parenthood, for example, abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure.  The emotional toll can be almost overwhelming but, in clinics like Planned Parenthood, all aspects of a woman's health can be addressed.

3.  If women would prefer not to go through an abortion and men would prefer women not have to go through an abortion, then towards that end, some actions can be taken.  The following are examples:

MEN

a.  Educate yourself concerning the reproductive system within your own body and in that of your sexual partner.  The more you know about how the systems work, the better able you will be to prevent an unwanted pregnancy before it develops.
b.  If you are sexually active, get a vasectomy.  It is a quick operation performed under local anesthesia.  At the very least, use a contraceptive.  (A male latex condom has the highest rate of effectiveness for a contraceptive, male or female, at 86%.)
c.  Do whatever you can to make sure your sexual partners have access to birth control.
d.  Support those organizations that can provide access to safe birth control.  One example of such an organization includes Planned Parenthood.  Make every effort to be sure their doors stay open, that they are easily accessible, and that they are free from harassment of those who use their services.  Planned Parenthood also provides sexual health services for men as well as women.

WOMEN

a.  Do all in your power to keep yourself safe -- as much as is in your control.  For example, know how much alcohol you can drink and still keep yourself safe.
b.  Use contraceptives if you are sexually active.  (About 85% of sexually active women who do not use contraceptives become pregnant within a year.)  Consult with health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, for a program of birth control.  Some contraceptives are more effective than others.  Demand that your sexual partner use birth control.
c.  Aside from contraceptives, abstaining totally from any sexual activity is the only other way to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
d.  Be assertive, aggressive in your right to say no to any unwanted sexual advances.
e.  Protect yourself through learning as much about your health and reproductive system as you can.  The more you know, the better equipped you will be to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

If, in the end, the goal is to do away with abortions, then the practical thing to do is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.  Not all abortions can be prevented, like those that are needed because of rape or incest or because the pregnant woman and her doctor decide it is best for her health.  But the numbers can be reduced if men, as well as women, take responsibility for that prevention.

If we say that the reason we want to do away with abortions is a concern for life, then let's take a look.  Where is the concern for life when food for children in the SNAP program (food stamps) is reduced by billions in a Farm Bill?  Where is the concern for life when unemployment checks for families including children are discontinued?  Where is the concern for life when governmental programs that provide a safety net for families and children are continually assailed by Republicans?  No one can know for certain when life begins but we do know when children are hungry.  Walk the walk and forget the talk.