Skip to main content

Abortion funding ban in state budget

Image
News Date
Body

When the Senate passed its version of the budget last week, it included the following line: "No state funds awarded by the department of health and human services to a reproductive health care facility ... shall be used to provide abortion services."

This provision mirrors a federal law, called the Hyde Amendment, that already prevents taxpayer dollars from going to abortions.  Organizations like Planned Parenthood may still use federal funds for other family planning services.

This week the conference committee of Representatives and Senators approved line, which means it will appear in the final budget for a full House and Senate vote.

Supporters argue that the line simply solidifies New Hampshire's support for the federal law, which protects pro-life taxpayers.  

Opponents argue that the line should have gone through the legislative process as its own bill, which would include a public hearing.  

The language also makes it a lot less likely that any Democrats will support the budget in the House of Representatives, which could put the budget in jeopardy.  Earlier this year the House of Representatives failed to pass a budget because hard-line fiscal conservatives wanted more spending cuts.  House Republicans will need to unite behind this budget for it to pass.

Do you support a state version of the federal Hyde Amendment?  If so, do you support putting that language in this year's budget bill?  Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors