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Washington State HB 1044, commonly referred to as the "Reproductive Parity Act," has been sentenced to death by Republican Randi Becker, Senate Health Care Committee chair.
The "Reproductive Parity Act" would mandate all insurance that pays for maternity benefits must also pay for abortions.
Democrat Senator Steve Hobbs had produced a letter this week which has 25 senators signed on in favor of the abortion mandate bill, which he says, will ensure its passage.
Apparently that won't matter.
Here's what happened.
Committee chair Becker said Monday, "My commitment from the beginning of this legislative session was to give the abortion mandate bill a hearing so that all sides would have an opportunity to share their perspectives on the bill."
The hearing was held this past Monday.
More than 250 people from both sides attended the hearing.
Elaine Rose, with Planned Parenthood, testified that this bill would ensure that a woman's decision to get an abortion "is left with her, her family, her health care provider and her God."
I'm wondering which god advocates killing the unwanted innocent unborn?
Perhaps the most memorable comment was from Peggy O'Ban, spokeswoman for Human Rights Washington, "You all have the Second Amendment right to bear arms, to own a gun. But does that mean I have to buy it for you?"
The New York Times covered the story and quoted Angela Connelly, president of Washington Women's Network who said, "This is also a bullying bill that forces people who oppose abortion to be part of a system that permits abortions. We cannot insist on one agenda oppressing another."
You will recall that Washington State was the only state ever to have legalized abortion through a popular vote taken in 1970---3 years before Roe v. Wade.
I'm quite sure abortion activists thought this was simply another victory for their agenda.
However things began to change some weeks ago. People were paying attention to this bill.
Donna Crane, national political director for NARAL, says she thinks "The Affordable Healthcare Act," Obamacare, has "added some octane to the efforts from our opponents."
Committee chair Becker says she received a letter signed by several members of Congress, including Washington's Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Spokane) along with 4 others from both sides of the aisle, addressed to President Obama. The letter expressed concern that if this bill were to pass it would jeopardize federal health care funds.
Becker's statement this week concluded, "House Bill 1044 is a solution in search of a problem."
She said, "Even advocates of the bill admit that there is no need for the bill today...as such, the decision of the committee is that the bill will not move forward from here this year."
A couple of things to take away from this.
It is a victory. Not a huge victory in that most insurance already covers abortion--- but a victory.
Moral or values victories are difficult in a state that led in abortion back in 1970 and continues to lead in legalizing same-sex marriage, assisted suicide, legalized marijuana, and God only knows what next.
Also it's important to note that Chair Becker has expressed her personal beliefs regarding abortion and her Catholic faith. Not all politicians are abandoning their faith for political expedience.
There is still a remote possibility that this bill could be brought to the floor today, the last day possible to vote on it. I'm told it is not likely that will happen.
This bill, I'm told, is dead.
Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.