The House approved legislation expanding a prohibition on discriminating against those refusing to support abortion services.
The measure, approved 245-182 Wednesday afternoon, would allow a private right of action to sue the government for violating the Weldon Amendment, which blocks public funds from states that discriminate against providers and insurers not providing or covering abortions. The bill also would make the language permanent law.
Democrats and the White House oppose the bill, saying there are sufficient conscience protections already, but Republicans said it’s necessary because the Obama administration isn’t upholding Weldon.
“The federal government has not been protecting people’s rights,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan. “People of faith have standing and they deserve relief.”
Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services denied a petition from two conservative legal groups to block federal funds from California, which has told insurers they need to cover abortion services. A group of churches have sued over the matter, saying California is being allowed to violate Weldon.
Democrats said they support the decision of HHS, which said the insurers aren’t covered by the Weldon Amendment since they didn’t cite a religious objection to abortion.
“This bill is not about protecting the sovereign right of healthcare entities to not provide abortions,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J. “Providers already have those protections in current law.”
Like the better-known Hyde Amendment, which prohibits government funds from being used for most abortions, lawmakers attach the Weldon Amendment to annual appropriations bills. Democrats have long agreed to both amendments, which Republicans insist upon to keep taxpayer funds from paying for abortions and protect those who oppose the procedure.
The measure is unlikely to become law, as the White House has issued a veto threat.
