Reproductive Rights groups, including the Feminist Majority Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and the National Abortion Rights League, will oppose the No Tax-Payer Funding for Abortion bill (HR 3), introduced yesterday by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Congressional Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chair with the support of House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). The No Tax-Payer Funding for Abortion Act would prohibit taxpayer funding of abortions and would ensure that healthcare reform law does not cover the cost of abortions.
Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) stated that the Smith bill “would be the biggest intrusion on a woman’s right to choose in our lifetime. This is not the will of the American people.” Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood, explained, “The Smith bill even goes as far as to take existing protections away from women whose lives are in danger from serious medical conditions.”
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) described the bill as “one of our highest legislative priorities.” During the 2010 campaign, Boehner made promises to be the most “pro-life speaker in history.” Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, countered, “The 2010 elections were about jobs and the economy. It was not an endorsement of an anti-choice agenda.”
