Bill supports pregnant women

WASHINGTON -- A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate in December that would provide resources and support to pregnant women won high marks from the U.S. bishops' pro-life office.

"The bill will empower pregnant women to make healthy choices for themselves and their children, born and unborn," said Deirdre McQuade of the bishops' pro-life office.

Sen. Robert Casey, D-Pa., introduced the Pregnant Women's Support Act. It mirrors nearly identical legislation introduced in the House earlier in 2007.

The act would ensure that pregnant women are not denied coverage by insurance companies; provide qualified new mothers with free home visits by registered nurses; and codify the current regulation allowing states to provide Children's Health Insurance Program coverage to unborn children and their mothers. The bill also expands adoption-credit and adoption-assistance programs.

It "is truly a common-ground initiative to reduce the number of abortions in the United States," said Kristen Day of Democrats for Life of America, the group that helped craft the legislation.

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