In addition to abortion-on-demand, the weight of the evidence indicates that cosmetic “gender reassignment” surgeries for both U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants who suffer from APA recognized “Gender Identity Disorder” (GID) may also be provided--free of charge--courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer. The current price tag for such a procedure can exceed $50,000.   

        Page 972 of the House version of the bill (H.R. 3200) provides for “standards, as appropriate, for the collection of accurate data on health and health care” based on “sex, sexual orientation [and] gender identity.” The Senate draft indicates that the government will “detect and monitor trends in health disparities,” requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to “develop standards for the measurement of gender.” (i.e., officially recognize subjectively self-determined “transgender” or “transsexual” gender identities). It further mandates ‘‘participation in the institutions’ programs of individuals and groups from…different genders and sexual orientations.” 

         There’s a gulf of difference between what Obama and liberals in Congress, and the American people deem ‘'medically appropriate,’' especially when  ‘'we the people'’ are footing the bill. To force Americans, against their conscience, to fund abortion on demand and to facilitate gender confusion by subsidizing the elective practice of genital ‘'sex-change'’ mutilation is unconscionable.  

        After hearing Sen. Mikulski’s ‘'any service deemed…medically appropriate’' admission, I was prompted to dig a little deeper. I contacted the offices of Sen. Harry Reid, Rep. Charlie Rangel, Rep. Barney Frank, and the House Subcommittee on Health. I asked, very simply, for ‘'an assurance that the proposed healthcare plan will not allow taxpayer funded gender reassignment surgeries or hormone therapies.'’ When faced with the bill’s relevant language, every staffer I spoke with either declined to answer or would neither confirm nor deny that such procedures would be covered.  

        It’s time for the mainstream media to do its job and demand straight answers on this government healthcare scheme. Instead of acting as ObamaCare cheerleaders, journalists need to ask the same questions I did and refuse to take '‘no answer’' for an answer. I also call on the American people to ask their congressional representatives the following question: '‘Will you pledge to oppose this legislation unless taxpayer funding for both abortion and sex change surgeries are expressly excluded?’'

        It’s no wonder that, as Americans find out what’s hidden within this socialized ObamaCare monstrosity, furious opposition to it continues to skyrocket.