U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) voted in favor of the Protect Life Act, a bill that prohibits federal funds from being used to cover any costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion services.

“The gift of life is an inherent right bestowed on each and every one of us at the moment of conception.  The act of abortion is a serious violation of this natural right targeting our most vulnerable population—unborn children,” said Luetkemeyer, a cosponsor of the legislation. “It is impossible to comprehend the number of lives that were never given a chance to flourish because they were destroyed.  I will continue to fight to end such practices and to stand up for the unborn.”  

The Act would prevent federal funding for abortion or abortion coverage through the government-related exchanges, community health centers, OPM administered plans or any other program authorized or appropriated under the health-care law.  The legislation also protects conscience rights for health-care providers by specifying that federal agencies and state or local governments funded by the health-care law may not discriminate against health-care entities that refuse to be involved in abortion. 

Federal conscience laws have existed since 1973 and have protected many health-care providers from discrimination because of their religious and moral values.  Conscience amendments, like the Hyde/Weldon Amendment, have been renewed year after year, and Luetkemeyer believes it is wrong that any sort of health-care bill could pass through Congress without such protections.  Luetkemeyer did not support the health-care law and has voted for a complete repeal of the legislation.  However, since repeal has met opposition in the Senate, he believes it is important to amend the law to protect those that save the lives of this great nation and stand true to their pro-life convictions.

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