Longstanding Pro-Life Protections Retained:
- FEDERAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS—Programs Funding Ban (SMITH)—ban on funding of abortions through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, except in the instances of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
- FEHBP CONSCIENCE PROTECTION—conscience protections for health care personnel and providers
- DC CONSCIENCE INTENT OF CONGRESS—intent of Congress that any DC imposed contraceptive mandate should include a conscience clause.
The bill altered the Dornan Amendment (also known as the D.C. Hyde Amendment), which prevents appropriated funds (federal or D.C. revenue) from paying for abortion in the District of Columbia by inserting the word “federal,” which would allow appropriated local funds to pay for abortion.
