Bill Provision Helps Hospitals Refuse Abortions

A provision in a $388 billion spending bill passed by the House and Senate on Saturday will make refusing to provide or cover abortions easier for hospitals and insurers.

According to an Associated Press article, the provision will "block any of the measure's money from going to federal, state or local agencies that act against health care providers and insurers because they don't provide abortions, make abortion referrals or cover them."

A sponsor of the bill, Rep. David Weldon, R-Fla., a doctor, said, "This provision is meant to protect health care entities from discrimination because they choose not to provide abortion services."