H. R. 3 No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act Essay

H. R. 3 No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Essay Example At present, the law allows federal funding to support abortions albeit, in certain critical situations, such as rape or incest or cases where the life of the woman in questions, is in danger on account of complications arising out of pregnancy. The recent change is likely to repeal health care reform and permanently put an end to publicly funded abortion in the U.S. - regardless of whether it is a direct funding or via tax credits or any other similar subsidy. The No Tax Payer Funding for Abortion Act, seeks to restrict the all the public sources of funding such as the health insurance providers (like Medicaid) as well as other private insurers, who will be penalized for offering finance for abortion or other similar reproductive health coverage (Care2, 2011). This No Tax Payer Funding for Abortion Act, is a harsh and extreme measure taken by the pro-life supporters, which could critically damage the opportunities available to women by eliminating all coverage of abortion, including private insurers. This paper discusses the impact of such funding restrictions on women’s health; the role of nursing; and proposes changes by way of recommendations. Statement of purpose The H.R.3 Act seeks to restrict the publicly funded abortions across all states, including the ones funded by private insurers, by levying heavy taxes on those providing finance for such purposes, against the federal regulations. This paper opposes the current amendment and suggests recommendations for change, which are in the larger benefit of the society, and particularly women. Importance of the issue Restrictive funding for abortion is a tricky issue with several far reaching consequences on the social life and health of women. The fact that unplanned / unwanted pregnancies are a matter of serious concern with regard to public health cannot be denied. Various deaths are recorded annually on account of unsafe abortions worldwide leading to the issue being given prime significance in the h ealth policies of nations. The national laws and regulations have a direct and grave impact on women's health, since their access to safe abortions is heavily dependent on the national health policies. About 61 per cent of the world’s population lives in countries who have a safe and unconditional access to abortion while the rest have access to abortions with certain pre-conditions. Studies have shown that restrictive national health related laws, often culminate into issues of inequality, putting the lives of minority populations and women of color into vulnerable situations and at high risk of sexual violence (Crane & Smith, 2006). In countries where funding for abortion is restricted, leads to women turning to unhealthier options, leading to further deterioration of their health and safety. Women who are victims of sexual violence and unwanted pregnancies are liable to receive prompt and safe access to counseling, medical facilities and compassionate services, and any cha nge in the provision of health services, where the laws are made stricter, would lead to a poor and weaker public health system (Levine, 2007). The health of women in dire need of abortion, either for health or socio-economic reasons, will be endangered purely on account of political disapproval of medically essential facilities. It is on account of these reasons that the issue of abortion and