LIVID update 11/16/09

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I probably should have looked at my coverage, but at the time I was to distraught to even think about it. It probably didn't occur to the office staff because federal insurance covers "everything" when dealing with pregnancy. For example, I had some bleeding early on and all the ultrasounds were covered. In addition, theraputic abortions are covered in 90% of private insurance plans. Yes they should have been more vigilant, but honestly, the issue never occurred to anyone. I was my doctor's first case of anencephaly. I'm sure my doctor has done other theraputic abortions, most OB/GYN practices routinely do them as a matter of course. Theraputic abortions are a part of women's healthcare. That is the point, Congress is specifically excluding a necessary medical procedure from the healthcare bill.

From a policy standpoint, why is it ok for opponents to say "I don't want my tax dollars to go to fund anyone's abortion" and have Congress listen. When do I get to tell Congress that I don't want my tax dollars to go to things I find morally repugnant like Guantanamo and the war? Abortion is the only area singled out in funding restrictions this way and everyone just accepts that it is ok because some people have a moral problem with abortion.

some people? try most people. many of whom consider "abortion" to be murder. not what you had done, but we don't want to create any more loopholes. It sounds like your situation is a very fair exception, but let's not pretend that tens of millions of people have a very real problem with their tax dollars paying for abortion. Much more so than your other examples.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, OP. Your strength and courage are inspirational. It must be very difficult to re-hash the painful experience and I'm sure it's not always well received. Please know that many of us are grateful and supportive.

[Anonymous]

OP, I just want to say that I also think you often and am inspired by your work. I'm a fed and I find myself discussing your case with my husband, especially when the Stupak amendment was passed. It's terrifying, but comforting to know that you're out there. And I know it could be me, but I seriously wonder if I'd have the courage you have.

[Anonymous]

OP, I was the lobbyist who responded to your original post a few times. I've thought of you often; in fact, each time I hear about the Stupak amendment I have wondered if you were involved. Good for you for staying committed to this and turning your heartache into something to protect other women.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I probably should have looked at my coverage, but at the time I was to distraught to even think about it. It probably didn't occur to the office staff because federal insurance covers "everything" when dealing with pregnancy. For example, I had some bleeding early on and all the ultrasounds were covered. In addition, theraputic abortions are covered in 90% of private insurance plans. Yes they should have been more vigilant, but honestly, the issue never occurred to anyone. I was my doctor's first case of anencephaly. I'm sure my doctor has done other theraputic abortions, most OB/GYN practices routinely do them as a matter of course. Theraputic abortions are a part of women's healthcare. That is the point, Congress is specifically excluding a necessary medical procedure from the healthcare bill.

From a policy standpoint, why is it ok for opponents to say "I don't want my tax dollars to go to fund anyone's abortion" and have Congress listen. When do I get to tell Congress that I don't want my tax dollars to go to things I find morally repugnant like Guantanamo and the war? Abortion is the only area singled out in funding restrictions this way and everyone just accepts that it is ok because some people have a moral problem with abortion.

Oh yeah, that's right, you didn't look at your coverage. Now I remember you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I probably should have looked at my coverage, but at the time I was to distraught to even think about it. It probably didn't occur to the office staff because federal insurance covers "everything" when dealing with pregnancy. For example, I had some bleeding early on and all the ultrasounds were covered. In addition, theraputic abortions are covered in 90% of private insurance plans. Yes they should have been more vigilant, but honestly, the issue never occurred to anyone. I was my doctor's first case of anencephaly. I'm sure my doctor has done other theraputic abortions, most OB/GYN practices routinely do them as a matter of course. Theraputic abortions are a part of women's healthcare. That is the point, Congress is specifically excluding a necessary medical procedure from the healthcare bill.

From a policy standpoint, why is it ok for opponents to say "I don't want my tax dollars to go to fund anyone's abortion" and have Congress listen. When do I get to tell Congress that I don't want my tax dollars to go to things I find morally repugnant like Guantanamo and the war? Abortion is the only area singled out in funding restrictions this way and everyone just accepts that it is ok because some people have a moral problem with abortion.

Oh yeah, that's right, you didn't look at your coverage. Now I remember you.

Do you live for the opportunity to take jabs at women who have lost their children?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update, you are doing great work on behalf of fed employees and women everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I am sending you mad love and respect and virtual hugs and thanks.

ME, TOO!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Thank you OP for the update. I've been thinking about you and wondering how things were progressing. Thank you for your work, I'm a fed too this rider on our health insurance needs to change.
Sending you a hug and a heartfelt thanks.
BTW, did you decide not to write the op-ed?

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for your loss, and awed that you took your sadness and focussed it in such a positive way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I probably should have looked at my coverage, but at the time I was to distraught to even think about it. It probably didn't occur to the office staff because federal insurance covers "everything" when dealing with pregnancy. For example, I had some bleeding early on and all the ultrasounds were covered. In addition, theraputic abortions are covered in 90% of private insurance plans. Yes they should have been more vigilant, but honestly, the issue never occurred to anyone. I was my doctor's first case of anencephaly. I'm sure my doctor has done other theraputic abortions, most OB/GYN practices routinely do them as a matter of course. Theraputic abortions are a part of women's healthcare. That is the point, Congress is specifically excluding a necessary medical procedure from the healthcare bill.

From a policy standpoint, why is it ok for opponents to say "I don't want my tax dollars to go to fund anyone's abortion" and have Congress listen. When do I get to tell Congress that I don't want my tax dollars to go to things I find morally repugnant like Guantanamo and the war? Abortion is the only area singled out in funding restrictions this way and everyone just accepts that it is ok because some people have a moral problem with abortion.

some people? try most people. many of whom consider "abortion" to be murder. not what you had done, but we don't want to create any more loopholes. It sounds like your situation is a very fair exception, but let's not pretend that tens of millions of people have a very real problem with their tax dollars paying for abortion. Much more so than your other examples.

I'd much rather have my tax dollars pay for her abortion than for some doddering Senator's viagra!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, thank you for the work you've done on this important issue. I don't think there are many women who would be able to channel their shock and anger into working as you've done - I'm sorry for your loss and commend you for working to make sure this doesn't happen to other women.

Ditto from me. Thanks OP. I have been thinking about you, and appreciated the update.

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you so much for having the courage and dignity to share your own tragedy in hopes of ensuring that others don't face the same bureaucratic nightmare. FWIW, I'm Catholic and have at least a modicum of understanding of the prolife argument, but for me situations such as the one you experienced demonstrate why legal and bureaucratic prohibitions on abortion rights are so harmful for all women. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm horrified that you experienced such an ordeal at the hands of your insurance company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who generally does not think the government should pay for some types of abortions, I wanted to say that I support OP's cause. I do not want to start a fight, I want to do the opposite. There are differing views about abortion but even those of us who have a more restricted view of it can agree that a non-viable fetus should not have to be carried to term by the already burdened mother.

GOOD FOR YOU OP. I'm so sorry for your loss, and it's wonderful to see a woman empowered to take action. You'll make a difference.

Also, I appreciated the poster quoted above. Here's someone who disagrees on the issue in general, but found a way to be really supportive and understanding. That was nice to see.

[Anonymous]

From a policy standpoint, why is it ok for opponents to say "I don't want my tax dollars to go to fund anyone's abortion" and have Congress listen. When do I get to tell Congress that I don't want my tax dollars to go to things I find morally repugnant like Guantanamo and the war? Abortion is the only area singled out in funding restrictions this way and everyone just accepts that it is ok because some people have a moral problem with abortion.

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

I've often thought this very thing, but you stated it much more clearly than I could have.

Thank you, OP, and my condolences on your loss. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this but I applaud you for taking your pain and struggle to fight for other women. Keep up the great work!