Senators writing a healthcare overhaul bill on Wednesday rejected a bid to strengthen pro-life provisions already in the legislation, in a vote that could have far-reaching repercussions. The 13-10 vote by the Senate Finance Committee could threaten support for healthcare overhaul from some Catholics who back its broad goal of expanding coverage.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, argued that provisions already in the bill to restrict federal funding for abortions needed to be tightened to guarantee they would be ironclad. But his argument failed to carry the day. One Republican -- Olympia Snowe of Maine -- voted with the majority. One Democrat -- Kent Conrad of North Dakota -- supported Hatch.
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