restriction on abortion funding, exceptions

4.2.7 Restriction on Abortion Funding

NIH appropriated funds and funds in any trust fund to which funds are appropriated in the governing appropriation Act may not be spent for any abortion. None of the funds appropriated in the governing appropriation Act, and none of the funds in any trust fund to which funds are appropriated in this Act, shall be expended for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. The term ‘‘health benefits coverage'' means the package of services covered by a managed care provider or organization pursuant to a contract or other arrangement.

4.2.8.1 Exceptions to Restrictions on Abortions

  1. The limitations established in the preceding section shall not apply to an abortion -
    1. If the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or
    2. In the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness, including a life endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed.
  2. Nothing in the preceding section shall be construed as prohibiting the expenditure by a State, locality, entity, or private person of State, local, or private funds (other than a State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid matching funds).
  3. Nothing in the preceding section shall be construed as restricting the ability of any managed care provider from offering abortion coverage or the ability of a State or locality to contract separately with such a provider for such coverage with State funds (other than a State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid matching funds).
    1. None of the funds appropriated to NIH may be made available to a Federal agency or program, or to a State or local government, if such agency, program, or government subjects any institutional or individual health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.
    2. In this subsection, the term ‘‘health care entity'' includes an individual physician or other health care professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.