Wayne Allard: “I oppose the Lowey amendment and rise in support of the Istook language guaranteeing States the right to determine…”

“I oppose the Lowey amendment and rise in support of the Istook language guaranteeing States the right to determine appropriate restrictions on the use of Medicaid funds for abortion. Recently, the State of Colorado was denied this right in Federal court, presenting a substantial problem for our State. The Colorado Constitution prohibits the use of public funds for abortions, unless the life of the mother is threatened. Therefore, the State is put in the position of violating our State constitution or discontinuing the use of Medicaid funds. At a time when we are shifting power back to the States, we should guarantee States the right to place restrictions on the use of Medicaid funds for abortion. This is particularly appropriate in light of the Federal-State matching grant nature of Medicaid. The Istook language simply reiterates Congress' intent in the Hyde amendment. Colorado is not the only State that challenges the Clinton administration's interpretation of the Hyde amendment. The States of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah also prohibit the use of Medicaid funds for abortion in all cases except when the life of the mother is endangered.”