Bush administration considers insuring the unborn

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Bush administration considers insuring the unborn
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Bush administration considers insuring the unborn
Already in the midst of a bitter debate over funding for embryonic stem cell research, in July the Bush administration sparked more debate between abortion advocates and opponents by proposing to classify an "unborn child" as a person eligible for medical coverage.

Dennis Smith, director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations at the Heath Care Financing Administration, sent a letter to state health officials suggesting a change in regulations to allow fetuses to receive health insurance coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. The change would be subject to individual state approval. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy Thompson is seriously considering the proposal, administration officials say.

Supporters argue the change would help pregnant women not eligible for Medicaid obtain prenatal care, but abortion advocates say it's simply a disguised attempt to advance the president's pro-life values. Even some abortion opponents are unimpressed with the move.

Currently CHIP can only help pregnant women under 19 unless HHS grants a special waiver. The 4-year-old program is aimed at children whose low-income working families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Under the proposed change, the fetus, not the mother, would be eligible for coverage. Smith's letter did not say how old a fetus would have to be to qualify for insurance.

Cathy Cleaver, director of planning and information at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, sees real value in the possible expansion. "I don't think this is symbolic," she says. "I think it's practical. This recognizes that unborn children can be patients and can recieve medical care and treatment. What we know of pregnancy and fetal development shows that if certain services are foregone, there is the risk of a less healthy baby."

Cleaver thinks opponents of the proposal will have an uphill battle convincing the American people the change would be negative. "They'll have to convince everyone that medical coverage is not important for poor women, or some women based on their age," she says.

In a July 9 press briefing White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer responded to allegations that the proposal is intended to lay the legal groundwork for ending abortion. "I think it's an actual idea from the government on how to help low-income women who are pregnant," he told reporters. "That's what that's all about."

Cleaver agrees. She points out that more than half the states in the country have made an assault or murder of a fetus (aside from a voluntary abortion) punishable under law. She also says common law tradition has allowed unborn children to inherit property. "This is not groundbreaking," she says.

But critics aren't buying it. Laurie Rubiner, vice president of the National Partnership for Women and Families, calls the suggestion "yet another cynical back-door attempt by the Bush administration to impose its anti-choice views."

And Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, says the change would be an insignificant gesture meant to pacify pro-life Americans. "By tossing this meatless bone to pro-life apologists for the Bush administration, the president can proceed with his desire to reach a compromise on destructive embryonic stem cell research," she told the Washington Post.

The Senate Finance Committee is currently considering legislation introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) to extend CHIP coverage to low-income pregnant women but not their unborn children.

—Anne Graber

For more information:
Health Care Financing Administration
Children's Health Insurance Program
USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
National Partnership for Women and Families
American Life League

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