16 seconds ago 2009-12-11T18:01:02-08:00
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US Republican party, whose platform condemns abortion as an "assault on the sanctity of innocent human life," will no longer offer health insurance that covers the procedure, the party confirmed Friday.
The Republican National Committee's insurance plan had covered elective abortion services since 1991, according to the Politico.com Internet publication that focuses on US politics.
"Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose. I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration. Consider this issue settled," said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
The decision by Steele, who took office in 2009, came as the question of whether to tighten existing restrictions on insurance coverage of abortion roiled the already bitter debate on legislation to remake US health care.
The House of Representatives voted Saturday to prohibit federal funds from being used to buy health insurance that covers elective abortions, a measure seen as key to the subsequent narrow passage of the broader legislation.
And at least one swing-vote senator has said he will only support a health care overhaul -- President Barack Obama's top domestic priority -- if the Senate version of the legislation includes similarly tough language.
