Katie Couric: Do you favor a government option that would cover abortions?
President Obama: What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. Because I think we're still trying to get a framework. And my main focus is making sure that people have the options of high quality care at the lowest possible price.
As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care. Rather than wade into that issue at this point, I think that it's appropriate for us to figure out how to just deliver on the cost savings, and not get distracted by the abortion debate at this station.
Anit-abortionist Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) wants a provision in the House bill that would not require or forbid private insurers of paying for abortion. Ryan and fellow Democrats Dale Kildee, James Langevin, Artur Davis and Kendrick Meek sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The lawmakers say that their proposal "maintains the current status quo in the private market" and would not "preempt constitutionally permissible state laws" governing notification requirements and other restrictions on obtaining an abortion.
"Now it is imperative that we reach some consensus on the issue of abortion in health care reform, so that we can move this critical legislation forward," the lawmakers wrote.
Does Obama, Kildee, Langevin, Davis and Meek understand their base overwhelmingly supports abortion?
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