by Joshua Zambrano

Created on: August 31, 2009   Last Updated: September 02, 2009

With the majority of the United States now referring to themselves as pro-life according to a recent Gallup poll, Barack Obama is fast on the retreat while facing accusations that his health care bill, H.R. 3200, would establish abortion as a mandate for all hospitals under his proposed government health care system. Stating Wednesday to the faith community that, "You've heard that this is all going to mean government funding of abortion. Not true", Obama seems adamant in persuading conservatives that his pro-choice views have not clouded the health care bill's agenda... Contrary to what he stated July of 2007 before Planned Parenthood.

"Essentially, what we are doing is to say that we're gonna set up a public plan that all persons and all women can access if they don't have health insurance. It will be a plan that will provide all essential services, including reproductive services. We also will subsidize those who prefer to stay in the private insurance market, except the insurers are going to have to abide by the same rules in terms of providing comprehensive care including reproductive care."

When questioned afterwards, Obama's campaign confirmed that by 'reproductive health services' Obama was referring to abortions as well.

You see, Obama seemingly avoided placing the words 'abortion' and 'reproductive' in the bill's language. However, H.R. 3200 states in Section 101 that all health care will be provided by a government system and a 'public option' which includes hospitals that, as he stated before Planned Parenthood, must provide 'essential services' - including abortion funding, beginning in the year 2013.

(b) REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH BENEFITS PLANS. On or after the first day of Y1, a health benefits plan shall not be a qualified health benefits plan under this division unless the plan meets the applicable requirements of the following subtitles for the type of plan and plan year involved:

(1) Subtitle B (relating to affordable coverage).

(2) Subtitle C (relating to essential benefits).

(3) Subtitle D (relating to consumer protection). As stated in Section 102, 'Protecting the Choice to Keep Current Coverage', all public option plans must meet the same requirements set for the government plan.
(1) GRACE PERIOD.

(A) IN GENERAL. The Commissioner shall establish a grace period whereby, for plan years beginning after the end of the 5-year period beginning with Y1 [Year 2013 as defined in General Definitions 25], an employment-based health

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