The House Democratic leadership would have us believe that the Hyde Amendment will prevent government funding of abortion under HR3200. It will not, according to Douglas Johnson, National Right to Life legislative director.

Under HR3200, the new federal insurance program would pay for elective abortion with government funds and would also directly subsidize private insurance plans covering all abortions.

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has confirmed that neither program requires any future appropriations through the Health and Human Services appropriation bill.

Since the Hyde Amendment applies only to funds appropriated through the annual HHS appropriations bill, it would not apply to any of the funds used to establish or operate either the "public option" or the premium subsidy program created by HR3200.

Members of Congress who assert that the Hyde Amendment would prevent federal funding of abortion are misleading their constituents. Is it ignorance or subterfuge?

Furthermore, the Capps Amendment to HR3200, adopted by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 30 would authorize the secretary o HHS to pay for elective abortions under the "public plan" and allow the "affordability credits" to subsidize both the public plan and private insurance plans that cover all abortions.

The bill authorizes and appropriates $2 billion in general treasury revenue to start the "public option."

All $2 billion is appropriated directly by HR3200; the Hyde Amendment does not apply to these funds.

Obama has made it crystal clear that he is pro-abortion in any and all circumstances. HR3200 reflects his beliefs.

Paul M. Petry, Heyworth