Roe v. Wade in jeopardy

The sneaky politicians are at it again, slipping an anti-abortion clause into a must-pass spending bill. Congress, due for winter recess, passed this $388 million bill. When Congress returns, this bill cannot be allowed to pass intact because it will undermine the rights of all American women.

The anti-abortion clause, if passed, would bar agencies at all levels from withholding taxpayer money to health care providers who don't offer abortion services or referrals to provide those services. The current law gives protection in the form of "conscience protection" to doctors, especially Roman Catholics, who choose not to have abortion training.

All health care providers will be protected from penalties for not offering abortion as an option, even insurers, which is a scary thought. Imagine if health insurance companies could decide not to cover abortions under any circumstances. Millions of Americans would lose their right to make that decision. Congress members have agreed to a procedure that will change the language of this anti-abortion provision.

The right-wing, which showed its power by re-electing President George W. Bush, is flexing its muscle by pushing this legislation. Senators who pass this bill are catering to right-wing voters. Other than restructuring the language of the bill, the only alternative is to stop government funding of many agencies for a short time, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, causing a temporary shutdown of many agencies. The government agencies will run under a stop-gap bill until Congress begins again Dec. 7.

Passing this bill will take away states' rights to protect women by enforcing health care laws. Nine female senators, including one republican, asked that the language be changed.

California's own Sen. Barbara Boxer vowed to slow the Senate meetings if the clause is not changed. The huge spending bill was slated to pass immediately, but the hidden provisions have changed Boxer's mind. She will hold the Senate to discuss this women's rights issue, even if they must begin their vacation late. According to The New York Times, Boxer was told that House Republicans insisted on including the clause.