Representative Turzai, we need SB 3 passed and signed by Gov. Corbett.

House Majority Leader Rep Mike Turzai
110 Main Capitol

PO Box 202028
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2028

Dear Representative Turzai,

As you know, "In 2014, individuals and employees of small businesses will have access to affordable coverage through a new competitive private health insurance market – State-based Affordable Insurance Exchanges" (HealthCare.gov). 

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo has warned that "some states implementing the Affordable Care Act have [already] begun to claim that they can force all private health plans on their exchanges to cover elective abortion as an 'essential health benefit'" (7/17/12).  As explained by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (6/29/12),

• "Now that it is known that the Affordable Care Act will stand, Pennsylvania must take action to prevent abortion coverage in the insurance exchanges.  Senate Bill 3... would prohibit insurance providers that participate in the insurance exchanges created by the federal health care reform law from covering elective abortion services." 

As detailed by the Pennsylvania Family Institute (6/29/12):

• "Senate Bill 3 would prohibit abortion coverage (with certain...Medicaid exceptions) from being offered in Pennsylvania’s 'health insurance exchanges.' Without SB3, everyone who purchases insurance through a Pennsylvania exchange will be paying an additional premium for abortion coverage."

Way back on 6/7/11, SB 3 passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a vote of 37 to 12.  An identical bill, Pennsylvania HB 1977, passed the House by a vote on 146 to 45 on 12/12/11.  Subsequently, both bills have languished.  As per a 7/24/12 letter to you from leaders of the Pro Life Caucus:

• "On behalf of the Pro-Life Caucus Leaders and Members and the various Pro-Life and Family Groups in Pennsylvania, we respectfully ask you to place SB 3 on the voting calendar to be voted upon when we return to Harrisburg the week of Septemer 24th.... As you are well aware, SB 3 is legislation that already passed the Senate and can move straight to the Governor's office for his signature.  The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision...only demands we move quickly on the Abortion coverage issues"

Representative Turzai, we need SB 3 passed and signed by Gov. Corbett.  We need this protection for our consciences!  

 

Sincerely,