According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, President Obama has failed to strike government funding restrictions on abortion, in particular the Hyde Amendment, from his proposed budget for the year 2010. The Center does point out however, that the budget proposes reversed funding for abstinence-only sex education, as well as creating programs whose goal is to reduce teenage pregnancy.
What exactly is the Hyde Amendment all about? Well, it bans federal funding for abortion in the Medicaid program, with the exception of situations that are extremely limited.
The Center for Reproductive Rights maintains that this budget is abandoning the millions of women who rely on Medicaid and other federal programs for health services. These programs include federal employees and their spouses and dependents, women in the Peace Corps, women in federal prisons, and women who receive services by Indian Health Services.
Nancy Northup, president of the Center said the following: "At a time in our nation's history when Americans at every income level are losing their jobs and their health benefits, guaranteeing access to affordable,quality healthcare, including reproductive healthcare, is imperative."
The Center is calling on Congress to eliminate all restrictions on funding for abortion. It believes that this would demonstrate a commitment to human rights, which form the heart of reproductive rights.