GOP Abortion Bill Sparks New Uproar

Did anyone think the abortion bill could get worse after the whole “ forcible rape” fiasco? A new bill put forward by a Republican House member has language in it that would allow women to die rather than receive an abortion that could save her life. Modeled after the Stupak Amendment, the new bill, called the “Protect Life Act,” would allow hospitals that receive federal funding but are opposed to abortion to turn away women who are in the need of emergency pregnancy termination—abolishing the current requirement that the hospital provide an alternative mode of care. The bill is already taking heat from pro-choice groups; NARAL Policy Director Donna Crane called it “really out there.” Its sponsor, Pennsylvania’s Joe Pitts, says the new language merely confirms the established right of care providers to refuse involvement in abortions.