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Durbin Still Hopes for Health Care Progress
As members of Congress begin making their way back to Washington, at least one member of the Illinois delegation is confident that progress will be made on a nationwide health care reform bill.

The biggest sticking point at the moment: Should insurance sold on a government exchange -- especially to buyers whose purchase is subsidized by taxpayers -- pay for abortions.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) believes the Senate's version is on the right track. Under that bill, if a woman wants an abortion she would have to pay for it herself.

"If you have an insurance policy and you want to buy coverage for abortion services, you will have to pay that separately out of your own pocket," Durbin said. "It will not be in any way subsidized by the federal government. No federal funds for abortion unless it's a case of a mother's life, rape or incest."

Durbin believes with that provision, the bill will pass in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) believes talk of health care legislation and abortion is really up to Democrats. "This is something that the other side of the aisle is going to have to come to grips with if they are going to pass the bill," Biggert said.

Like the Senate bill, legislation in the House would not allow federal dollars to fund insurance plans that cover abortions, something with which Biggert, who is pro-choice, agrees.

(Illinois Radio Network)
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