Connie Morella: “Actually, I am sure that what I will say has already been said, but it needs to be repeated. Actually, first of all, I…”

“Actually, I am sure that what I will say has already been said, but it needs to be repeated. Actually, first of all, I am very pleased that this bill is coming to the floor. It is a good bill. It is supported by 220 Members of Congress and a myriad of associations and organizations. With the ever increasing consolidation within managed care, it is essential. Actually, the bill does not mandate any benefit of service, nor does it force insurance companies to provide abortion coverage. So I am dismayed that the very distinguished gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn) has offered this amendment because it drags the abortion issue into this discussion. But what is happening with this amendment is we are dragging the abortion issue into this discussion when our debate should pivot on whether or not giving doctors the right to collectively bargain will have a beneficial or adverse consequence on the health care industry. This should not be a discussion on the specific conscience of a doctor or a health care, but the Coburn amendment would do just that. And so, I urge defeat of the amendment.”