skyinfrench

As Jos just highlighted on the main Feministing page, the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment concerning abortion has been defeated. The US health care reform legislation has spurred much debate on the issue of abortion and abortion rights. This is not to be confused with women’s rights – though Senator Boxer has taken this on in a recent speech before the senate, few others have framed the subject in the same light. The question of how a debate is framed is a side note with huge potential impact – saying this legislation is an issue of “the unborn child” is very different from language that makes the interests of the woman a primary concern.

The Senate voted Tuesday (12/7/09), rejecting the amendment to legislation that would tighten restrictions around abortion:

The Senate voted, 54 to 45, to kill an amendment offered by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) to reinforce a long-standing ban on federal abortion funding. Critics said that the amendment, which was included in the House healthcare bill, would go too far and curb access to abortion coverage even if women bought insurance with their own money.

The vote was a triumph for abortion rights forces and laid bare divisions among Democrats: Seven of them joined most Republicans in backing the antiabortion amendment.” (Emphasis mine)

This vote looks to protect the right to reproductive health, not the right to all choice. Even with this legislation defeated, women are left with the obstacle of deciding ...