Stupak on Senate Abortion Amendment: Unacceptable (Update: Statement Added)

Ben Smith reports that pro-life Democrat Bart "Stupak, in an interview with POLITICO, called the Senate's bill's abortion position unacceptable." Stupak expresses hope that the issue can be resolved in conference, but the Stupak amendment was the compromise. He had already conceded as much as he could--allowing individuals to purchase a separate rider to cover abortions. His goal now should be building as large of a coalition as possible of pro-life Democrats to vote against final passage of the bill if his amendment isn't included.

Update: A statement from Stupak:

"While I appreciate the efforts of all the parties involved, especially Senator Ben Nelson, the Senate abortion language is not acceptable. I will continue to work with my colleagues on this issue as the process moves forward.

A review of the Senate language indicates a dramatic shift in federal policy that would allow the federal government to subsidize insurance policies with abortion coverage.

Further, the segregation of funds to pay for abortion is another departure from current policy prohibiting federal subsidy of abortion coverage.

While I and many other pro-life Democratic House members wish to see health care coverage for all Americans, the proposed Senate language is unacceptable. I look forward to working with members of the House, Senate and the Obama Administration to find common ground on this issue and draft language that guarantees continuation of current law of no public funding for abortion."