WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- A House panel has approved a $492 billion 2005 labor, health and education spending bill with an amendment that critics say will limit access to abortions.
Included in the House appropriations committee approved bill was an amendment offered by Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., that would broaden existing limits on the use of federal funds to pay for abortions for women on Medicaid or receiving other government benefits.
Under the provision, federal funding now provided to healthcare providers and local agencies would be cut if they provided abortion services or information regarding the medical procedure to patients.
In addition, state and local agencies could lose funding not only for healthcare matters but also other programs included in the appropriations bill -- such as labor and education services -- if they require that providers receiving funding mention abortion as a potential option to pregnant women, as required under current law.
The House is not expected to take up the measure until September.
