News Flash

(Washington, October 1, 2002) On Friday, September 27, President Bush announced the plan for fetal insurance in preparation for senate floor ratification. This is a follow up action to the Administration first airing of the idea earlier this year. On February 4 we issued a press release, "Insurance for Fetuses or Insurance Against Abortion Rights?" pointing out some of the legal concerns.

The new plan strategically defines developing embryos as "unborn children" in order to fund insurance under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). While neither states nor women will be required to participate in the program, insurance protection for fetuses is a surreptitious way for the Bush administration to eventually outlaw a woman's choice.

"The AHA supports the expansion of women's health care, however our senses are alerted by bills that can be a threat to a woman's choice," notes executive director, Tony Hileman.