Obama Weighs In On Abortion Coverage Under Health Reform During Appearance On Radio Show

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 24 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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In an appearance on conservative radio host Michael Smerconish's program Thursday, President Obama addressed criticisms from opponents of health care reform, including claims that government funding would pay for abortion services, the Los Angeles Times reports. Obama made it clear that "there are no plans under health reform to revoke the existing prohibition on using federal taxpayer dollars for abortion" (Parsons/Silva, Los Angeles Times, 8/21).

Obama answered questions from callers and Smerconish, who is widely considered conservative, although he endorsed Obama in the presidential campaign and supports abortion rights (Elliott, AP/Houston Chronicle, 8/21). Obama also said that despite Republican resistance, "I guarantee we are going to get health care reform done." He also said, "As far as negotiations with Republicans, my attitude has always been, let's see if we can get this done with some consensus," adding, "We are willing to make compromises" but are not willing to deviate on "core principles."

He also addressed what he described as confusion surrounding the administration's position on a public plan option in health reform legislation. According to Obama, "What we've said is, we think that's a good idea. We haven't said that's the only aspect," adding, "Our position on this hasn't changed" (Kornblut/Bacon, Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/21).

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