UMPower - Take Action

When H.R. 3962 passed the House of Representatives on November 7th, a major milestone was achieved toward providing health care in the United States. However, in the midst of what should have been a celebratory moment for everyone, restrictive language inserted at the eleventh hour politicized health care and posed the possibility of a tremendous setback for access to comprehensive reproduction health coverage when the House voted to include an amendment to ban abortion coverage in the Exchange (the health insurance marketplace created for individuals and small businesses) in the health reform bill they later passed. That amendment goes beyond the current law banning federal funding for abortion services. In fact, the language adopted by the House bars women from even using their own money to purchase comprehensive health coverage that includes abortion services through the new insurance exchange. The United Methodist position on health care declares “health care is a right” (Social Principle ¶162V). Further the United Methodist Church recognizes “tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures.” (Social Principle ¶161J). We acknowledge the tension surrounding the issue of abortion; however, our Christian faith and our Wesleyan heritage compels us to stand with those who struggle for wholeness and peace in their lives and believe that all people should have equal access to comprehensive medical care. It’s not too late to make sure Congress hears your voice. The Senate is poised to act on their legislation very soon. We urge you to take action on this important issue today to ensure that this polarizing provision is not included in the final version of health care reform.