The Hyde amendment has been a bipartisan part of federal spending bills since it was first introduced in 1976 by Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde (R). The amendment bans federal funding of domestic abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Over the years, Hyde protections are said to have saved over two million American lives.
“Democratic leadership in the House has put Hyde on the chopping block,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “After 45 years of bipartisan support, Democrats in the House want to destroy a measure designed to save human lives.”
Additionally, the appropriations bills neglected to include Weldon Amendment and Helms Amendment language. The Weldon Amendment protects pro-life medical providers from being forced to participate in abortion, while the Helms Amendment is aimed to prevent federal funds from being used to pay for abortions in other countries.
