As the healthcare debates in congress continue, new issues arise. Among the latest and most controversial issues is abortion. Abortion presents problems for many people on moral, political and financial grounds. Although many Catholic leaders support health care reform in the United States, some find themselves torn because some of the provisions in the health care legislation may mandate abortion services. Not only is this a moral issue for Catholics, but it is also a financial matter. Catholic leaders could be pushed out of different networks and referral services they need in order to survive from a financial standpoint. In 2008 alone, about 1,000 Catholic hospitals served 92 million patients.

Some politicians, like Republicans Bart Stupak of Michigan and Tim Ryan of Ohio, support an amendment that would specify the exclusion of abortion from any governmental health insurance plan. Such an amendment would help ease the concerns Catholics have over healthcare reform, both from a financial and moral stance. Surprisingly, majority of lawmakers who are prochoice support the idea of protecting a doctors right to refuse to perform abortions, which could help diminish the moral conflicts doctors face. Some people believe that unless if the abortion issue is resolved soon, the healthcare reform will not get enough votes to be passed in the House. Therefore, this issue is key to moving along with Obama’s healthcare reform plans.