Holds Conference Call to Discuss Efforts to Prohibit Taxpayer-funded Abortions

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) held a telephone conference call with constituents concerned about the potential for taxpayer-funded abortions in the high-risk pool being created under the new ObamaCare.

The new healthcare law mandates that every state create a federally-funded insurance program, or high-risk pool, for people with pre-existing conditions.

In recent weeks Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Mexico have drafted high-risk pool plans that cover elective abortions using taxpayer dollars.

“I am concerned that the state of Colorado will try to offer a plan through its federally-funded high-risk pool, GettingUSCovered, that will go against longstanding U.S. policy of NOT funding elective abortion at taxpayer expense.

“While states offering taxpayer-funded abortion may be compelled to back away from their initial proposals, the fact remains: ObamaCare offers NO statutory protection against taxpayer funding of abortions. President Obama’s promises and flimsy executive order on this issue ring hollow.”– Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Lamborn has written aletter to Steve Erkenbrack, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Health Plans, the company that will administer the new high risk pool insurance plan, asking for the following information:

1. whether an application has been submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
2. whether an application has been approved,
3. a copy of the application, either in draft or final form,
4. the date in which a final form is expected to be complete, and
5. whether GettingUSCovered will provide coverage for elective abortion.

In the letter, Congressman Lamborn urges Erkenbrack “to abide by the will of Congress and the American people by prohibiting federal funding of elective abortions.”

While a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated this week that no federal funds will be used for elective abortions in the new high-risk pools, this statement is not backed by permanent legislative language.

Congressman Lamborn co-sponsored The Protect Life Act, H.R. 5111, which will guarantee that no tax subsidies can flow to plans that cover elective abortion.

# # #