The deb about the extent to which federal money should be allowed to be pay for abortions is critical to the fate of the health care plan.  Some pro-life Members, even some who favor the big government health care plan in general, say they won’t vote for any bill that uses taxpayer money to subsidize the procedure.  Some pro-choice Members are just as adamant:  they won’t vote for a bill that walls off money from paying for women who want to obtain this medical service. 


Regardless of whether one is pro-life or pro-choice, you should recognize the inherent problems that are created when government gets involved in setting health care policy.  Right now, Democrats are pushing for a one-size-fits-all health insurance arena:  they want everyone to have to have coverage that includes whatever they decide are necessary procedures.  That brings up a lot of ethical questions, even beyond abortion:  like invetro fertilization and end of life care. 


In a diverse country like ours, it makes sense that not everyone is going to agree on these matters.  The problem is that when government gets involved in deciding what everyone has to pay for, than I have to care intensely about what other people think.


It’s the same problem that tends to plague public education.  When should sex ed be taught?  To what extent should abstinance be a part of that curriculum?  Should a Christmas tree be allowed in the school’s entrance?  There isn’t a right or wrong answer to these questions–parents will come up with many different answers based on their values and what they believe is best for their child.  The problem is that right now most people are forced to attend a school based on their zip code.  Parents with no options about where to send their kids then have to battle about what goes on in that school.


Wouldn’t it be better if we could get government out of the business of making decisions like this for us?  Shouldn’t I be able to choose my kid’s school and health insurance package and you choose yours?  If the answer is no, there are going to be a lot of angry debates in our future.