The National Organization for Women is outraged that Senate leadership would cave in to Sen. Ben Nelson, offering a compromise that amounts to a Stupak-like ban on insurance coverage for abortion care. Right-wing ideologues like Nelson and the Catholic Bishops may not understand this, but abortion is health care. And health care reform is not true reform if it denies women coverage for the full range of reproductive health services.
Feminist Majority President Eleanor Smeal, reacting to the overt role the Bishops have played in the healthcare negotiations, said "This fight has exposed the raw power of the Catholic Bishops to dictate the healthcare options for all American women, whether Catholic or not."
We must insist that the merged bill that comes out of conference rejects limits on women's right to have full health coverage, including coverage for abortion. We also need House Democrats to insist that the best pieces of the House bill are included when the bills are merged. Call your Representative and Senators right now and demand that the key elements of real reform—including a public option—are in the final bill before the House and Senate vote on it! Congressional Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
Sign the MoveOn.org petition opposing the current Senate health care bill.
Sen. Joe Lieberman has shown us that it just takes one senator to block a bill. We need one progressive senator to stand up and block a health care bill without a public option. Ask Sen. Bernie Sanders to be a progressive hero and stand up for the public option.
Only 33% of voters approve of the Senate's current plan to pass a bill without a public option but with a mandate forcing Americans to buy insurance. The good news is the poll shows Democrats the roadmap to victory: 59% of voters still support a healthcare reform bill with a public option. Senators must be warned. They must know what's at stake. Deliver the poll results personally to the local office of your Senators today! Or if you can't deliver in person, fax them!
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