Provision in Commerce, Justice, and Science Committee Appropriation Allows Federal Funding for Abortion in Incest Cases
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL09) successfully obtained an exception for victims of incest from the prohibition against federal funding for abortion in this year’s Commerce, Science, and Justice Committee Appropriations Bill. Previously, such funding was only available in cases of rape, or where the health of the mother was at risk.
“Those who have suffered the violation and trauma of incest should not be forced to carry an unwanted child to term,” Congressman Grayson said. “Almost every law involving abortion, even the most restrictive, has included exceptions for rape, incest, and risk to the mother’s life. I’m glad that we are able to add this humane provision to this bill.”
Grayson fought unsuccessfully for protection for incest victims in last year’s appropriations bill, but he received assurances that these victims would be protected in this year’s bill…and they are.
The new wording of the statute will appear in section 202 of the H.R. 2578, the Fiscal Year 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill. The specific section reads:
SEC. 202. None of the funds appropriated by this title shall be available to pay for an abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in the case of rape or incest: Provided, That should this prohibition be declared unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this section shall be null and void.
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties.
