Many Republican party members hotly debated the possible Federal funding of abortions by the Democrat's health care bill. However, the GOP's own health insurance coverage has funded it for at least two decades.
In what appears to be a stunning twist of irony, the GOP recently had to remove a portion of their medical insurance plan that
helped pay for abortion procedures. Abortion was a hot topic of debate in town halls across the country this summer as the Obama Administration and Democratic Party pushed its health care reform initiative.
Cigna health insurance agents reported that the GOP’ s plan covered elective abortions since 1991. The party had opportunities to option out of it but never did so. The Republican Party's 2008 platform had a
clear stance against abortion procedures for any reason., even though Presidential candidate John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin had different views on the issue.
Republican Party chairman Michael Steele directed the abortion option to be removed immediately, citing that donations made to the party should not be used in that way.
"Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose. I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration. Consider this issue settled," Steele said in a statement.
The House-approved health care coverage bill included a provision stating Federal money would not be used to cover abortions except in the cases of incest, rape, or danger to the life of the mother.
