Rep. Lance Votes In Favor Of Anti-Abortion Bill

CHESTER, NJ — U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7) voted on Wednesday for HR-7, a controversial piece of legislation regarding funding for health insurance plans that also cover abortion. He represents three Morris County Patch towns: Washington Township and Chester Borough and Township.

If signed into law, HR-7 would cut off funding for any federally funded insurance plans that provide abortion coverage, even if the funds are not being put toward the procedures. It was introduced by fellow New Jersey Representative, Chris Smith.

Federal funding for abortion coverage has been illegal since 1976 under the Hyde Amendment, which had to be renewed every year. Under HR-7, the Hyde Amendment becomes permanent.

HR-7 would also ban abortions at any federally owned facilities or by federal employees. It does have exceptions for cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.

“H.R. 7 makes permanent the Hyde Amendment which has been longstanding public policy included in measures supported by both Republicans and Democrats and signed into law by every president since the 1970s – including most recently by President Obama. One recent survey found that a clear majority of Americans support making this permanent,” John Byers, a spokesman for Lance told Patch, referencing a Marist College survey sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. "Lance has a strong record on women’s issues. Lance was one of three Republican lawmakers to support Fair Pay legislation and one of a few dozen to support the Violence Against Women Act."

Ten states already prohibit insurance coverage of abortions. Another 15 states prohibit Obamacare insurance plans from covering abortions.

The Congressional vote came three days after millions of women marched on across the country to rally against President Donald Trump and to advocate for women's rights.

The bill passed in the House on Wednesday by a vote of 238 - 183. It has to be passed by the Senate before President Trump could sign it into law.

You can see a full breakdown of how representatives from across the country voted here.

Image via Leonard Lance