The debate on government-run health care cleared the final committee hurdle today when the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 to approve its version of the massive overhaul.  Now, each of the five Congressional committees with jurisdiction have approved legislation that gives the government a leading role in every American’s health care. 

In each committee, Congress has rejected pro-life efforts to keep abortion out of the bills.  This means that, if enacted, countless Americans would be forced to buy coverage for abortion even if they don’t want it, and would ensure that government funding for elective abortions is mandated.

Four of the five committees (the Senate Finance Committee excluded) have approved an outright public health care option, and it is very likely that the final version of the bill will include one as well.  There is also a troubling provision that gives Planned Parenthood the authority to run clinics in our public schools, with accountability to only the Department of Health and Human Services. 

One of the most problematic aspects of this whole debate is the fact that House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid are responsible for crafting the final bill, which will render any more moderate proposals useless.  So with the Senate Finance Committee's approval of a publically funded co-op measure, be aware that it is likely to convert into a public option by the time it reaches the floor of the Senate.

Because our concerns with this legislation have not been addressed, we are left with no choice but to call for opposition on both the House and Senate floors.  While there are certainly problems with our health care industry, a government take-over is simply not the answer.

The time to stand with the ACLJ is now.  Add your name to our petition and take a stand on health care. We will keep you posted on developments as they unfold.