Republican Health-Policy Focus Shifts to Abortion Limits from ACA

[riversedge]

Republican Health-Policy Focus Shifts to Abortion Limits
Planned Parenthood funding replaces Affordable Care Act as the main target





Sen. Ted Cruz spoke at a rally opposing Planned Parenthood funding in Washington in July. Photo: Olivier Douliery/Getty Images
By Stephanie Armour And Kristina Peterson


Sept. 21, 2015 7:33 p.m. ET
44 COMMENTS

WASHINGTON—With little to show for their efforts to repeal the 2010 health law, Republicans have refocused on trying to defund Planned Parenthood Federation of America and tighten federal abortion restrictions.

The shift has occurred both on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. In the most recent GOP presidential debate, abortion was a prominent talking point while candidates mentioned the Affordable Care Act only a handful of times. In Congress, Republicans are weighing shutting down the government on Oct. 1 in a bid to defund Planned Parenthood. And both chambers are voting on antiabortion bills this month amid a crush of other issues.

The GOP shift reflects a grudging acknowledgment that repealing the ACA won’t happen as long as President Barack Obama is in office. “People are sick and tired of Obamacare,” said Grace-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, which wants to limit government involvement in health coverage. “Planned Parenthood is something new and fresh.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) and conservative House Republicans led the charge in 2013 to block funding for the health law in a fight that led to a partial government shutdown. Now, Mr. Cruz and his House allies are again trying to use a must-pass spending bill in late September as leverage to try to cut funding for Planned Parenthood. A government shutdown back then didn’t actually block funds for the health law, just as a shutdown now wouldn’t cut off money for the women’s health organization.

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[Doctor_J]

1. The "effort to repeal the ACA" was a hoax.

As soon as they had the Senate, the votes suddenly stopped. Big Insurance would crucify the Republicans if they cut off that trillion dollar annual guarantee.

This probably won't happen either, though since it won't cost the corporations money, it's possible.

[CTyankee]

2. Planned Parenthood is "new and fresh"???

It's pretty stale if you ask me.