November 18, 2009
Posted: November 18th, 2009 06:00 AM ET

From
Pro-life protesters hit Capitol Hill earlier this month.
Pro-life protesters hit Capitol Hill earlier this month.

Washington (CNN) – Six in 10 Americans favor a ban on the use of federal funds for abortion, according to a new poll which also indicates that the public may also favor legislation that would prevent many women from getting their health insurance plan to cover the cost of an abortion, even if no federal funds are involved.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Wednesday morning indicates that 61 percent of the public opposes the use of public money for abortions for women who can not afford the procedure, with 37 percent in favor of allowing the use of federal funds.

And by a 51 percent to 45 percent margin, those questioned in the survey think that a women who get abortions should pay the full costs out of their own pocket, even if they have private health insurance and no federal funds are involved. The 6-point difference is within the poll's sampling error.

The health care reform bill that narrowly passed in the House of Representatives on November 7 included tight restrictions on the use of federal money for abortion coverage. Abortion rights activists are strongly opposed to such restrictions.

"Roughly one in five Americans who oppose the House health care bill do so because it is not liberal enough," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "The abortion issue may be one reason why. But for most Americans, potential restrictions on abortion may not be a dealbreaker."


A bill that passed last month in the Senate Finance Committee included less restrictive language. It's unclear what the abortion language will be in the full Senate bill that Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to unveil this week.

The survey indicates that 26 percent say abortion should be legal in all circumstances, with half of those questioned saying it should be legal in certain circumstances, and just under one in four feeling abortion should never be legal.

Lack of Democratic unity on a public option is another issue that has dogged health care reform. Republicans are united in opposition to the proposal. The bill that passed the House 220 to 215 included a version of the public option, an insurance plan administered by the federal government that would compete with plans offered by private health insurance companies. According to the poll, 56 percent favor the creation of a public option, with 42 percent opposed.

"Younger Americans like the public option," Holland notes. "But a majority of senior citizens are opposed to that part of the House bill."

The Senate bill may include a provision that allows states to opt out of a government health insurance plan. Two-thirds of people questioned oppose that provision, with 28 percent saying they favor allowing states to opt out.

The poll also indicates that Americans like employer mandates and new restrictions on health insurance companies, expanding Medicaid and providing subsidies to low-income families. And they like a tax on millionaires to pay for it.

But according to the survey, Medicare cuts are not popular, and the public is split on a provision requiring all Americans to get health insurance.

"Generally speaking, Americans like the parts of the House bill that add new regulations to the health insurance industry and provide more coverage for people who can't afford health care," Holland notes. "They also like language in the bill that requires companies to provide health insurance to their workers. But they're not so sure about requiring people to get health insurance on their own if they don't get it through another source."

Americans are also split over whether the near-unanimous GOP vote against the House bill indicates there is something wrong with the bill - or something wrong with the Republican Party.

But looking ahead to the Senate debate, the public continues to approve of the Senate rules which allow filibusters, a move by the minority party in the Senate that can kill bills or nominations by bringing the chamber to a standstill. Sixty votes are needed to end a filibuster.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted November 13-15, with 1,014 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's overall sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Full results (pdf)

–CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report

Filed under: CNN Polls • Health care


sammieb51   November 18th, 2009 10:57 am ET

What year is it anyhow - are we going backwards or is it just me? This argument sounds more like a bad marraige - over an over and over the same territory again and again, no resolution. Get out of my bedroom, my house, my life - I pay taxes and abide by the laws, defend my country regularly and fund all its wars, that's enough. Leave me alone, the party of 'small government'. Quit imposing your standards on me.

Aunt Bea and Opie   November 18th, 2009 10:56 am ET

We dont think this woman could care less about abortion.We think she is a hired gun of for the "Corporate Fascist health insurance companies,that are killing thousands of people a day by denying them health care that this woman looks like she needs from the neck up.We are prolife also,but we dont think it will ever be legislated because the rightwing uses it to keep the nuts on their side.

Terry in Iowa   November 18th, 2009 10:53 am ET

God has been and always will be pro choice. Not just in the area of procreation, but in all decisions we make. He’s given us free will. Yes, he’s given us his commandments and through his messengers, he’s tries to teach us the right things to do, but he’s given us free will. We will atone for our own transgressions, but they are “our own”. It’s time for pro-lifers to let God do his job; they have enough on their own plates to worry about.

sammieb51   November 18th, 2009 10:53 am ET

And if you are lucky right now, with decent insurance, affluence, and maybe you are a married 40-45 YO white woman who discovers she is pregnant and doesn't want to disrupt her life with another kid - you go to your doctor and he ushers you in for a D&C and your insurance covers it in the hospital.

Quit kicking the abortion issue around - if the GOP wanted to change it they would have between 1994 and 2006, but thye know in so doing they owuld lose their constituency.

Matt   November 18th, 2009 10:53 am ET

60% of america think the govt should control a womans body and access to healthcare. They probably want slavery as well...doesn't mean it is right.

PREDICTA   November 18th, 2009 10:51 am ET

From a cost perspective, is it not less expensive to fund an abortion of an unwanted child than pay all the costs associated with raising that child (healthcare, education, welfare, etc) over 18 years? If the intent of blocking federal funding is to stop or slow abortions, it will do neither.

Andi   November 18th, 2009 10:51 am ET

That's too bad. Abortion is a legal medical procedure and should be treated as such. There are a lot of things 'my' tax dollars fund that I don't believe in, mainly, WAR, and I don't have a choice.

It's like Jon Stewart says – if it's $20 to get into the zoo, you can't give them $18.50 because you don't like Zebras.

BestProfitCompany = WAR   November 18th, 2009 10:49 am ET

Duh! Nobody likes abortion, NOBODY. Even planned parenthood would like to see the number of abortions come down. BUT it is ESSENTIAL to women's freedom! Why should we force women to keep their child for 9 months then for 18 years they have to take care of them. It is like they are imprisson for 18+ years. Believe me, you right wing zealots dont want to take care of them also. If you did you would adopt every child you can!

First of all, no one owns women's body except themselves. If they want to do something with their body then it is their choice, not old white men (church leaders/rethuglicans). KEEP BIG GOVERNMENT OUT OF WOMEN'S CHOICE! Yeah, I'm talking to you big supporters of big government, aka Rethuglicans!

Alex   November 18th, 2009 10:45 am ET

Then the majority of Americans don't understand the U.S. Constitution.

Enough   November 18th, 2009 10:43 am ET

There is way too much emphasis put on abortion. In this day and age birth control is a better option. Too many people use abortion as birth control. Being pro choice, maybe if abortion wasn't so easy to get, people would start using birth control..........there are so many options available, that the majority of unwanted pregnancies could easily be avoided.

Pro Woman's Liberty New Yorker   November 18th, 2009 10:43 am ET

Pro-lifers should be banned as a terrorist oraginazation. It is curious to me that a group which labels itself "Pro Life" would carry out their cause, with intimidation, fear, hatred, and yes: killings. That is terrorrism and it should be called out for what it is. Further more, if a woman or her doctor is forced to endure any of the above, it should those actions should also be labeled for what they are: hate crimes. To force a woman, through coerxion, fear, violence and intimidation to give birth under conditions which may include incest, non-concentual sex, rape, congenital defects, and poverty is a crime against humanity, and would propogate the actions which created the situation in the fist place to continue to exhist, and no-one, no-once in their right mids would argue that incest, non-concentual sex, congenital deforminity, and rape are God given rights.

Doug   November 18th, 2009 10:42 am ET

If Obama, Reid and Pelosi include this into the legislation, they will be lamb duck politicians. No questions asked.

Robin   November 18th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Agreed. We should not use public funds to pay for abortions. It's a proven fact that abortion 96% of abortions are done as a means of birth control. PLUS the statistics for women having mulitiple abortions are up.

In the cases of rape, incest, or medical, it sould be dealt with on the case by case basis.

By the way, the average cost of Birth Control Pills is $20 a month. Planned Parenthood will offer Birth Control cheaper or even for free.

Not sure why this is such an issue when it is much cheaper just to avoid the unwanted pregnancy all together.

MissyW   November 18th, 2009 10:38 am ET

Coming from someone who knows firthand the risidual mental anguish of making a BAD decision early in my life I can say this...
If you're having an abortion due to incest, rape or in a life or death medical situation the counseling and procedure should without a doubt be covered by either federal or private health insurance. If having an abortion is due to youthful stupidity or cluelessness you should absolutely have to pay for it yourself, hopefully then it will never happen again.

Mark from Louisiana   November 18th, 2009 10:31 am ET

The only time government money should be used for abortion is in cases of incest, rape or to save the mothers life.
I would also include abortions for welfare moms to stop them from being baby factories to get a bigger welfare check.

PK   November 18th, 2009 10:30 am ET

"Six in 10 Americans favor a ban on the use of federal funds for abortion...." But notice the way the agenda-driven CNN Ticker has chosen to portray that 60% of Americans... with an absurd picture of a mullet-wearing, screaming, nut job.

Ask yourself, what picture would a journalist have used? And compare that to the picture the "journalist" at CNN used.

Randy in PA   November 18th, 2009 10:26 am ET

Abortions are legal in this country. A fact that everyone has to recognize.
For those who hate abortion, I say change the law.

As for paying for an abortion, I would say treat it like other elective type procedures. Want a tummy tuck, you pay for it. Want a nose job, you pay for it. Want an abortion, you pay for it, UNLESS it's a rape, incest or life of mother issue. If insurance carriers want to pay for it, fine, it's up to them.

I don't want my money paying for someone else's nose job and I don't want to pay for something that may have been caused by a lack of self control.

blutarski   November 18th, 2009 10:23 am ET

I predict that the Senate majority leadership will not care what 60% of the public thinks, and will add the federal funding option for abortions back into the health care bill.

Jay T.   November 18th, 2009 10:22 am ET

I wonder if the lady in the picture gets that fired up when we are discussing the health and safety of human beings after they exit the womb. If so, sign the Crazy Cat Lady up for the health reform debate.

haren   November 18th, 2009 10:19 am ET

Nothing to say but selfish people.
Like they say a communist is communist until it affect them to give up something of their possession.

th   November 18th, 2009 10:19 am ET

If someone has insurance that they are paying for themselves they have the right to do what they want. Other people have no business telling someone what they can and cannot do.

Tom C   November 18th, 2009 10:16 am ET

Thank you democrats for not allowing any of my tax dollars for funding abortions. What I can't understand is why the republicans are supporting these democrats that have voted against abortion. Gees, you do something that the conservatives strongly believe in and their is a deafening silence from the repubs. Just goes to show you they are the party of no.

Nobodys Perfecft   November 18th, 2009 10:15 am ET

There are many reasons for an abortion. So to just say NO to having health insurance, either federally funded or private, pay for one is too limiting. What if this is a case of rape? Or what if the doctor recommends it due to health issues – either of the mother or the child? CNN didn't poll me ... so count my vote now to allow abortion funding.

Jamie   November 18th, 2009 10:15 am ET

This is a divisive issue, I support the amendment that Pelosi introduced and it's 'Mad Men' conspiracy led to it being taken out. But I can live with that as long as it stays safe and legal. What I can't live with is not fully funding contraception, something insurance companies have been and are currently cutting back their coverage of this more and more. That is a travesty against American women!!!

Bob in Pa   November 18th, 2009 10:14 am ET

When are the elitists in power going to realize that someone taking control and responsibility for their own lives is a very ,very good thing.

Melissa   November 18th, 2009 10:12 am ET

Uh huh. How nice that nobody gives a crap about the women and that none of them give a crap about an unwanted baby once its born. Hypocrites.

Gale   November 18th, 2009 10:06 am ET

Yep, pro lifers, if you don't agree with us, we will kill you!!

Keith in Austin   November 18th, 2009 10:04 am ET

To bad the progressive liberals don't give a hoot about what the majority of Americans want!

phoenix86   November 18th, 2009 10:01 am ET

Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama DO NOT CARE what the majority of Americans want. They want to ram this far-left fringe monstrosity down America's throat.

Welcome to the liberal side of democracy.

Heather   November 18th, 2009 10:00 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me how the liberal media (including CNN) always uses the most outlandish photos to portray any conservative, be they pro-life, anti-tax, supporters of our war effort, etc.

In spite of the fact that an enormous number of these conservatives are well-dressed, completely normal middle-class Americans, the only photos of conservatives used by the liberal media are those of nearly psychotic-looking people in outdated & sloppy clothing, with a wild hairstyle & facial expression.

It's incredibly transparent, CNN, as is your continual refusal to post conservative comments. You must think Americans are merely stupid sheep who cannot see through your methods. So sad. And you call yourselves "objective journalists." Um...yeah right.

Zach K   November 18th, 2009 9:57 am ET

I'm a Democrat, and as well Pro Choice.

However, it wouldn't hurt if funding wasn't included in the bill. I mean, denistry coverage is seperate from healthcare, and so is abortions.

Connie, Indiana   November 18th, 2009 9:53 am ET

This is becoming placing restrictions on a legal procedure. I don't see where the problem is if it paid out of their own pockets..It is a way of the "government" rationing care because of some political views..If this continues, what you will be seeing is "back alley butchers", and then what will they say..Why are these so called "pro-life" people not concerned with life out of the womb??? It is time to put this subject to rest..enuff. This country is in a mess, and the big topic is "abortion"..to hell with the economy, jobs, health insurance reform, wars etc, and what is the main topic "abortion", the priorities are all out of wack..

Jeff in Houston   November 18th, 2009 9:53 am ET

Absolutely no one has the right to dictate what a woman does with her body. No one. Cattle are forced to breed, not humans. I know of no woman the claps with glee at the idea of having an abortion. It is a decision that is extremely personal and emotionally profound. We all need to GET OUt of other people's business and let women make the decisions in private with their physicians.

As an aside, here are some other facts we need to face: People are going to continue to have sex; put your holy books away and get over it. The planet is overpopulated; we do nto need one more mouth to feed. And, this is at least one thing you cannot blame on those evil homosexuals. Maybe their idea is the future if we keep acting as irresponsibly as we have been.

May we please live a life based on reason and education, not doctrine and mythology? Before its too late?

Amy, Kazoo   November 18th, 2009 9:52 am ET

But it's ok to take my tax dollars and use it for capital punishment. You can't use religion to say something is wrong and it's murder and then ignore it when you want to use it for criminals. Murder doesn't have different meanings.

Adrian   November 18th, 2009 9:52 am ET

I'm sure that if you poll enough of the "right" people, the results would indicate that the public believes minorities don't deserve equal rights, and that the Ten Commandments should replace the Constitution. A majority (i.e. mob mentality) is not enough...not when such a verdict contradicts the Constitution in any way. Even if 90% of the poplulation disagrees with something, if it is a matter of the Constitution vs. an extremist or fundamentalist ideology the Constitution wins. At least, in a civilized 21st century nation it does.

Mike   November 18th, 2009 9:51 am ET

I'm all for reforming health care but I do not want to fund abortions. That is just wrong.

Christine   November 18th, 2009 9:51 am ET

I do not believe this story for one second. I don't believe the American people want to fund killing unborn infants. If you don't want kids.. use protection or abstinance, not my tax money.

Black Viper   November 18th, 2009 9:49 am ET

Pro Life
Pro war
Anti healthcare
Please give me a break. This people makes me puke.

George   November 18th, 2009 9:41 am ET

Maybe if all the money spent by the right wing dings to fight health care reform were donated to free clinics, health care reform might not be an issue. Millions, maybe billions are being spent to move America backwards, so why not spent that on the uninsured? Sorry I forgot that the right can't stand being right. Silly me. The party of NO, doesn't like the poor, but still working people to survive.They won't even help working people with 3 jobs that still can not afford decent health care. Will one of you wackos please explain to America, what values you do have?

Bluebonnet   November 18th, 2009 9:40 am ET

That is an absolute crock of crap!

mjm   November 18th, 2009 9:38 am ET

There won't be funding for abortion...or any other health care.

Medicare covers about 40-50 million people and it's going broke.

Expanding coverage to millions more just means the system will go broke sooner.

Henry Miller, Libertarian   November 18th, 2009 9:37 am ET

Actually, only a minority, and a shrinking one at that, are dumb enough to support this imbecilic health care welfare scheme at all, regardless of the abortion issue.

Dave From Philly   November 18th, 2009 9:37 am ET

Pro-Lifers need to get a life.

katiec   November 18th, 2009 9:32 am ET

Do not believe you will find many who think abortion should be paid for with government funding. What is so disturbing is the stipulation in the house bill that states anyone receiving government funds cannot purchase insurance for abortion with their own private money.
Quite frankly did not know there was insurance out there for abortion, and cannot imagine it being a priority for anyone, but that should
be an individual, not a government choice.
While being a difficult decision, abortion is legal and the government has no right to tell a person what they can and cannot do with their body.

Tina   November 18th, 2009 9:31 am ET

Abortion is a LEGAL medical procedure and should be covered by insurance regordless of whether the woman received subsidies to pay for the insurance or not.

Richard   November 18th, 2009 9:25 am ET

The poll shoud have gone ahead and asked the person that was against federal funds to provide abortions if they wanted to support, through welfare, the child being born because the mom could not afford an abortion. Also on the question of whether a private health insurance should pay for an abortion, the poll should have the selections: yes, no, and it is none of my business. The latter is the situation here. I get tired of people who are totally removed from the situation and have no idea about the consequences, thinking they can make decisions about what people deserve and need.

JP   November 18th, 2009 9:22 am ET

If a woman can't afford an abortion the government should pay for it. Its better than paying for food stamps, welfare, and possibly prision. Pregnant illegals should be deported.

seebofubar   November 18th, 2009 9:18 am ET

And the other 4 out of 10 dont mind helping to pay for someone to kill a human being? Isn't that kind of like hiring a hit man? Only God has the right to give and take away life. We as a nation have abandoned the laws given to us. We cannot call ourselvs civilized until we abandon this barbaric practice!

Rob DePour   November 18th, 2009 9:10 am ET

I love it!!! This is great!!!! None of these people seem to realize that the money deducted from their paychecks for health insurance along with the premiums and deductibles they pay are used to pay doctors who perform abortions. Of course, the government must never do what the private sector does everyday so we should just keep giving our money to corporations who are not held accountable for anything they do. This is so much better than providing health care to thousands of slobs who don't even have any money. Great !!!! I love Americans and their misapplication of morality!!! It means more money for me and my HMO buddies!!!

SCMom   November 18th, 2009 9:04 am ET

I understand that many people feel very strongly for, and against, the right to choose. However, as it stands, abortion is legal. Completely and totally legal. Our government has no business determining what LEGAL procedures our healthcare should or should not include. You can not like it all you want, you can find it morally and ethically reprehensible, yet it is still legal. Unless that changes, it should be covered the same way any medical procedure is. Our elected officials in the House should be ashamed of themselves.

Fed Up   November 18th, 2009 9:01 am ET

Doesn't matter what we want. Pelosi is going to give us what SHE wants, as SHE has said many times.

Tram   November 18th, 2009 9:01 am ET

That poll's wrong.

ran   November 18th, 2009 8:52 am ET

If this poll is like all the others using only land lines then it will not now or in the future truly reflect the will of the people because those under 40 yoa have cell phones only. The age limit might even be higher.

CNN and others doing polls need to redo their process.

George   November 18th, 2009 8:51 am ET

Then will the GOP stop paying for their employees abortions? They say they will, but they are not friends of truth.
They are the death panel. Anyone that puts dollars ahead of life, better remember right to life in America should go past the womb. The grand obstructionist party will do anything for a dollar. They will even fight legislation that will give all right to life. They are using ignorant uneducated people as pawns by the super wealthy. They throw God and Guns at them and they run with the bait. I would hope that God would not want people to die because of greed in a country as great as America. We give to the world, and ignore our own. Maybe some of you cheap GOPers may want to donate to the free health clinics sponsared by MSNBC. It could help clear your conscience if you have any.

Ray E.   November 18th, 2009 8:51 am ET

The whole Heath Bill need to be returned to the States and get the Federal Government out of it. The U.S. Constitution never gave the Congress the right to take money from one person and give it to another. And no the taxpayer shouldn't be paying for abortions!

Susan   November 18th, 2009 8:45 am ET

Then is there a Viagra ban? Can't have one without the other.

Robert the Man   November 18th, 2009 8:42 am ET

Obviously Glen Quagmire was not polled. FIXED POLL!!!

Jeff   November 18th, 2009 8:40 am ET

"They also like language in the bill that requires companies to provide health insurance to their workers. But they're not so sure about requiring people to get health insurance on their own if they don't get it through another source."

They also don't realize that this will encourage employers to employ fewer people for the same amount of work (even if they do compensate them for their extra work), or hire part timers and give them just enough hours to not be required to provided a health service-plan if there is a threshold.

But they're not so sure if they are willing to buy it themselves – they only want it if someone else will pay for it. I for one support requiring neither. If your employer wants to provide it, or you want to buy it, go ahead. If not, don't – but don't ask the rest of us to cover you when you need it.

southerncousin   November 18th, 2009 8:40 am ET

Is this a surprise to the liberals and liberal media? They have a weird unconnected way of looking at the world, they mistake people believing lies that politicians like Obama, Pelosi and Reid tell as support for their agendas. They are grossly unfair and hateful (e.g. Associated Press hires 11 fact checkers to report on Palins book, none for Obamas. Liberals have this hateful way of looking at the world and misunderstanding it.

File under "Sarcasm"   November 18th, 2009 8:39 am ET

Too bad that, as stated by David Axelrod, the liberal Democrats will pull such a restriction out of any bill that's passed when it goes to the House Senate reconciliation conference. It was a great ploy to get conservative House Democrats to vote for Pelosi's bill, however.

CNN afraid of a liberal post   November 18th, 2009 8:38 am ET

OK so there already was a ban. Why did they put it in the health care bill. Only to further control women. The men responsible are the C Street crowd. The ones who want to control everything.

I would love for congress to pass a bill that would force a vasectomy on men who cause unwanted pregnancies. That way they couldn't get women pregnant and these women wouldn't want an abortion. Of course the rich old mostly republican men couldn't get anybody pregnant so it wouldn't matter to them. They are just jealous of those who can.

Pee Wee   November 18th, 2009 8:33 am ET

Of course they do. Proponents of abortion are acting like the legislation is going to outlaw the procedure. Not true, if you want one, you pay for it. It's an elective procedure, sort of like face-lifts or breast augmentation.

I don't think 'enhancements' should be publicly funded, do you?

If you don't agree that it's elective, drop the phrase "pro-choice" from your vernacular, then maybe we'll be near a starting point for rational discussion.

Did anyone else think it was totally absurd when Nancy Pelosi made the statement about not having to worry that being a woman is a pre-existing condition?

Thee idiots run around acting like signing this stupid bill is going to prevent death and guarantee all eternal life. Maybe in the mind of Pelosi it will.

smiff   November 18th, 2009 8:32 am ET

Really? Not liberal ENOUGH? Is abortion a particular evolutionary quirk peculiar to humans or readily observed in nature? Your polls, science, so called religion, and reporting of facts are on par with social tendencies......not reason or accuracy! Abortion is a convenience item ,like air conditioning,not like chemo. Amazing how convenient things become necessities when they are easier to get.....like entertainment. Neither the religion (true) of the day nor the science that supposedly got us here supports any such conveniences as necessities.

Marty, Grand Rapids MI   November 18th, 2009 8:31 am ET

I read the house amendment. It seems reasonable. I think if paying for abortions were included in the healthcare, we would be encouraging them when we should be discouraging them (it would be, if you will, pro abortion, which being pro choice is not). Instead, money would be better spent providing free contraceptives, increasing the availability of contraceptives and increasing sex education.

The religious right is just as responsible for the abortion rate in the US by clinging to the failure of abstinence only education and blocking attempts to increase availability and education of contraceptives.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 18th, 2009 8:29 am ET

Why this one issue is so divisive I don't think that I will fully understand. People need to learn to be more than 1 issue voters.

Happily an Independent   November 18th, 2009 8:28 am ET

When someone uses only there own money then you might say it is a private decision. When you start using out tax money, then it is no longer private. I do not want my tax dollar paying to allow someone to choose to terminate a pregnancy. If you were irresponsible enough to get pregnant, then at least show some responsibility at some point and pay to terminate it with your own money.

I do not consider myself pro-choice or pro-life. For the most part, I have not focused on the issue except for my own personal view that I think the procedure is repugnant. I along with many others do care if you start asking me to be a party to abortion by using our tax dollars. Federal programs can not fund abortions. Federal employees get private insurance. The government pays a portion and the employees pays a portion of the premiums and they are not able to get abortion coverage. In the health care exchanges, the government pays a poition and the beneficiary pays a portion. That is the same as federal employees. If you take federal money then your insurance is no longer private insurance. Therefore, no abortion coverage paid for by taxpayers

Good for America   November 18th, 2009 8:25 am ET

I am glad that my money will not pay for murder (abortion)!

MS Redhead   November 18th, 2009 8:23 am ET

While I am pro-choice, taxpayers should NOT be required to pay for abortions–or vasectomies. Women AND men need to take responsibility for their own decisions–good or bad–regarding their lifestyle and healthcare choices.

lieNoMore   November 18th, 2009 8:22 am ET

4 out of 5 Americans are braindead too so what? Do any of these morons who answered this question believe we even have a Constitution?? Abortion is legal in the US no matter what the religious conservatives (Taliban) here want people to think.

Where do you draw the line on stupidity like this? Medical procedures THAT ARE LEGAL should be part of any bill that our taxes pay for. If you don't like one of those procedures or it is against your religious beliefs fine, but shut up and DONT HAVE IT.

hockeybear   November 18th, 2009 8:22 am ET

Isn't this illegal? The last time I checked, abortions in the US are legal. And, current private health care companies already cover abortions so why not the public plan? The religious nuts are just trying to get their grubby little mitts into government little by little so they can push their pro-life agenda. Stay out of my life and I'll stay out of your churches.

Happily an Independent   November 18th, 2009 8:21 am ET

When someone uses only there own money then you might say it is a private decision. When you start using out tax money, then it is no longer private. I do not want my tax dollar paying to allow someone to choose to terminate a pregnancy. If you were irresponsible enough to get pregnant, then at least show some responsibility at some point and pay to terminate it with your own money.

I do not consider myself pro-choice or pro-life. For the most part, I have not focused on the issue except for my own personal view that I think the procedure is repugnant. I along with many others do care if you start asking me to be a party to abortion by using our tax dollars. Federal programs can fund abortions. Federal employees get private insurance. The government pays a portion and the employees pays a portion of the premiums and they are not able to get abortion coverage. In the health care exchanges, the government pays a poition and the beneficiary pays a portion. That is the same as federal employees. If you take federal money then your insurance is no longer private insurance. Therefore, no abortion coverage paid for by taxpayers

Anonymous   November 18th, 2009 8:21 am ET

Hmm... is this saying that a Majority of Americans, are against the Gov't funding of a program murdering the helpless, or just abortion. HealthCare Reform is attempting to not only control more of your life but deciding where and when life ends.
Will there be a Ministry of Health as well...that would put the icing on the cake.

Richie   November 18th, 2009 8:20 am ET

Let'em get a coat hanger for God's sake.

Sherina DC   November 18th, 2009 8:15 am ET

This is a lie, we need to have free abortions the more that are covered the more it is accepted

Jeff Brown in Jersey   November 18th, 2009 8:05 am ET

Stay out of a woman's reproductive organs you crazy loons!!!!! Especially you old men and dried up, bitter old religous nuts!!!!!

Ryan   November 18th, 2009 8:04 am ET

Do these same people want to use tax money to raise the child after it's born? Doubtful.

AJP   November 18th, 2009 8:04 am ET

If we ban abortion, what other items will we be asked to ban.

Wake up America we live in the 21st Century.

tony   November 18th, 2009 8:03 am ET

i am a liberal dem but i do agree with the american people. do not use my tax money to fund abortion.

Silence Dogoode   November 18th, 2009 8:02 am ET

Don't be fooled. This is a smoke screen, just like Obama's lie about the bill not covering illegal immigrants. As all those LAWYERS know (unless they are completely incompetent and did not attend law school). Once a bill is made into a law, it becomes open to lawsuits. similar lawsuits in CA about denying illegals from getting welfare and education have already overturned the law and they are happily collecting "stealing" from the tax payers of CA. They can leave abortion out of the bill knowing fully well it can be challenged due to Roe V. Wade...and soon we will be paying for abortions. Print this CNN if you dare!

D. Tree   November 18th, 2009 8:00 am ET

Trick question. There ALREADY is a band on using Federal money for abortions.

Wake up CNN and explain this correctly: people are opposed to this amendment because it would prevent a woman using HER OWN FUNDS to purchase insurance that covers abortion.

The RNC has insurance that covers abortion, and so do right wing groups like Tony Perkins' Focus on Family.

They are all hypocrites, and they are using Health Care Reform to further their own agenda!

T'SAH from Virginia   November 18th, 2009 7:59 am ET

What is the BIG Problem with this!! The government NEVER covered abortions so why would a Health Care Bill owned by the goverment cover ABORTIONS!! Jeez! Abortion is a PRIVATE decision and should be paid for by PRIVATE money!!

And another thing – Why are the REPUGS complaining about ANYTHING in the bill when they are NOT voting for it????? To me it seems as if they are ONLY putting their foot in the pool when it's 90 degrees outside – JUMP IN THE POOL "DUMMIES", it's much cooler inside...................... Such LOSERS!!!

Reny   November 18th, 2009 7:52 am ET

Abortion is murder and should be stopped. God will judge us one day and that judgement will be terrible.

Ted from Calif.   November 18th, 2009 7:51 am ET

This issue is driven by various religious factions who seem to forget that the constitution not only protects religion from government but also protects government and citizens from religion.

Dominican mama 4 Obama   November 18th, 2009 7:51 am ET

Roughly one in five Americans who oppose the House health care bill do so because it is not liberal enough,"
-------------------------------

This statement appears to be a direct contradiction to the headline. Or perhaps it is the extraction to the nth degree of those famous " out of 10 people X in 10" in order to obtain maximum value added from these polls.

Obama = Abortion   November 18th, 2009 7:48 am ET

Catholics who voted for Obama have a chance to redeem themselves – by opposing any Health Reform legislation that pays for abortions. But, they may ultimately find themselves in the position of helping to cause millions of abortions, since the final Reform legislation is likely to include public funding of abortions. There are consequences of elections, and consequences of voting against your better conscience.

Right Leaning Independent   November 18th, 2009 7:46 am ET

60% favor a ban on using federal money to fund abortion yet I am sure the loony left will still try to ram it through. I bet the Liberals are about to come unglued about right now....

terry,va   November 18th, 2009 7:37 am ET

How is abortion a health care issue? Tell me what sort of illness/disease caused the conception of a child. Is it called sexual addiction, like drug addiction? In any event, Obummie said he wouldn't allow abortion to be covered by taxpayer dollars. He hasn't keep his word on anything yet and I doubt that he will here either.

Indiana Voter   November 18th, 2009 7:31 am ET

I'm sure this poll is going to upset the liberals who live by polls.

Rob   November 18th, 2009 7:22 am ET

What if the abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother? Remember people, not everything is black and white, and these medical emergencies do happen. Or how about victims of sexual assaults? What about 9-,10-, 11-year-old victims? If you support not even offering to allow a person to purchase on their own, with their own money, certain coverage, than you are going down a road that will take you to a place you will come to regret.

howie   November 18th, 2009 6:57 am ET

This poll makes me feel proud to be American

Maria - Proud Democrat   November 18th, 2009 6:56 am ET

I always wonder where they get these mystery pollers from..........the Democratic or Republican campaign offices?

Why is it that the polls never match what people really feel.

The majority of Democrats we speak to DO NOT like the current health care proposals.

They don't like the fact that we are going to be REQUIRED to pay a fine if we don't have health insurance. With so many people losing jobs and homes left and right......the last thing they are worried about is health care. They worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads and keeping their jobs.

We are in an economic mess and to ask Americans to pay additional fines and penalties for health care at this time........is just plain dumb!

If the Democrats in Washington keep going down this ridiculous path, they are going to find themselves in the unemployment line side by side with their constituents.

George Guadiane - Austerlitz, NY   November 18th, 2009 6:46 am ET

At one point in our history, a majority favored slavery, then segregation. The fact that the populace has not caught up to the ethical and social mores of the times is not a sufficient reason to accept a situation.

terry,va   November 18th, 2009 6:33 am ET

Why are we still debating this? Obummie stated in his address to congress that we would not sign a bill that included funding for abortion. The reason why we are still talking about this is simple. He is a liar and a spineless person that talks out of both sides of this face every time he opens it. People are testing if he really meant what he said or if it is some more hot air. Ie: Gitmo closing by year end, Afghan being the war of necessity etc,etc, Prove me wrong on this one Obummie.

ALAN St LOUIS MO   November 18th, 2009 6:29 am ET

I WANT A VERY LIBERAL HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL PASSED NOW

and well majority of Americans do to. IT is WHY WE PUT ALL YOU DEMS IN POWER IT IS A MANDATE, USE IT OR LOSE IT

but i do agree abortions leave it out unless it was rape are incest. Taxes should not pay for irresponsible hanky panky games.

That issues needs to be addressed in schools and mandatory sex education class starting in middle school thru college.

Spend tax money on PREVENTION of pregnancy vs abortions.

Willy Brown   November 18th, 2009 6:22 am ET

If you don't want a baby then keep your legs closed missy.

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