Joe Pitts: “I would like to focus on one important failure of this legislation that I think the pro-lifers on the other side of the…”

“I would like to focus on one important failure of this legislation that I think the pro-lifers on the other side of the aisle would be interested in. Since 2002, the present administration has granted the States the option of providing SCHIP coverage to the child before birth, the unborn child, prenatal care and other health services for the unborn child and the pregnant mother. Unfortunately, the bill offered today would override current regulation and extend coverage in the name of the pregnant woman only. My amendment to codify the words ``unborn child'' was disallowed, not made in order last night. Protecting only the pregnant woman could lead to a greater number of abortions. It would make the woman eligible for all publicly-funded services, including State-funded elective abortions. In States with Medicaid expansion programs, this could increase the number of women eligible for free abortions, thus promoting more abortions of unborn children in the name of children's health. This bill's language essentially classifies the pregnant woman herself. It does not make sense.”