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GOP Removes “Forcible” Rape Provision From Bill, Retain Other Anti-Woman Language

02/03/11-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
After a great deal of pressure from women’s groups, Democratic politicians and Kristen Shaal at the Daily Show, Republicans are dropping at least some of the things from a controversial anti-woman, anti-abortion bill that they introduced in the House and have been trying desperately to defend ever sense. They will drop the attempts to redefine what rape means. This still leaves in the provisions which would redefine what government money means, and pretty much make it so that the only women who can afford abortions are rich women.

It has been reported by TPM that Representative Chris Smith, the lead sponsor of the bill and the chair of the House anti-woman caucus, will remove the phrase “forcible rape” from the bill. Smith spokesman Jeff Sagnip stated “The word forcible will be replaced with the original language from the Hyde Amendment.”

Ostensibly, the bill is suppose to make the Hyde Amendment permanent. Currently, it has to be renewed every year. In reality, it will redefine what government financing means so that it is impossible to even use money saved up for medical procedures for an abortion or for health plans to cover abortions.

As TMP notes:

Republicans and pro-life groups quickly clammed up about the bill, declining to comment on it to just about anyone — until today when the bill’s language changed.

The altered bill language will be undoubtedly be seen by some as a victory for pro-choice activists. But the bill still contains numerous provisions that appear to dramatically expand federal limits on abortion funding. The new version of the bill apparently retains the clause that limits the incest exemption to girls under the age of 18 and language that makes it tougher for women to obtain abortion coverage through their private insurers.

On the Daily Show, Jon Stewart made the point that his tax dollars went to pay for things he opposed such as the War in Iraq.

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