Removing the public option from national health care reform legislation does not fix the abortion mandate in the proposed legislation.  Even without a public option, the current legislative proposals give significant power to government officials to determine what all health care plans should look like through insurance reforms, the establishment of mandatory minimum benefits, and other reforms.  Under the current legislative proposals, the health care field would become a highly government regulated industry.  If we cede control of the health care industry to the government without a specific abortion exemption, mandated abortion coverage is sure to follow.
 
We have asked Congress to fix the problems in the proposed health care reform legislation, including the abortion mandate, the end-of-life issues, and the public option.  Congressional leaders have rejected our concerns.  Therefore, we now oppose the proposed health care reform bills in their current form.  And we want to send an important message to members of Congress - sign on to our petition today opposing government-run options.

We are encouraged that the 23 House Democrats (see below) have expressed their opposition to the bill, and we will be calling on them to keep their promise to their constituents.  A minimum of 38 House Democrats in opposition are needed to overcome the large majority that they hold in the U.S. House.  We continue to call on all Members to honor the loud and clear wishes of the American People by opposing the current bills.

House Democrats Opposed to Health Care bill:
 
John Alder
Jason Altmire
John Barrow
Dan Boren
Rick Boucher
Alen Boyd
Bobby Bright
Travis Childers
Jim Costa
Henry Cuellar
Parker Griffith
Frank Kratovil
Betsy Markey
Eric Massa
Jim Matheson
Charlie Melancon
Walt Minnick
Tom Perriello
Earl Pomeroy
Heath Shuler
Bart Stupak
John Tanner
Gene Taylor