Relief of Conscience PPL NEWS Winter 2001

Presbyterians Pro-Life NEWS
Winter 2001

Board of Pensions says it will pay for RU-486 abortions

Claims for chemically-induced abortions submitted by doctor, patient, or plan member will be reimbursed by the Board of Pensions (BOP) in the same manner as any other abortion claim, according to BOP spokesperson Margaret Mellen. Dependent daughters of plan members are eligible for abortion coverage by the plan.

The abortion drug RU-486 includes the administration of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, the former to block a hormone necessary for pregnancy and the latter to stimulate contractions intended to expel a dead baby. Side effects from the drugs are common.

Ms. Mellen responded to questions from PPL when the FDA announced approval in October for nationwide distribution of the drug. She wrote,

The Board usually does not make a special announcement when a new drug or other FDA-approved service is first introduced and becomes eligible for coverage. We anticipate handling coverage for RU-486 no differently.

The BOP is an agency of the General Assembly which administers the Medical Benefits Plan required for all installed pastors and their families in the PC(USA). The Plan provides unrestricted abortion coverage.

BOP covers partial birth abortion too

In addition to the extension of coverage for chemically-induced abortions, the BOP has made it clear that the medical benefits coverage extends to partial birth abortion as well. No diagnosis is required, according to Board vice-president George Adams, except that of "pregnancy." Although the General Assembly said in 1997 that partial birth abortion "should be considered only if the mother's physical life is endangered by the pregnancy," the board does not provide a way to ensure that G.A. action is carried out by the G.A. agency.

Sessions can apply for "relief of conscience" from paying for unrestricted abortions

In response to General Assembly action, the Board of Pensions created a "relief of conscience" provision which allows dues from local churches to be diverted from abortion coverage to medical benefits for adopted newborns covered by the Plan. For information about how to apply for "relief of conscience," contact the Board of Pensions (then click "Library," then "Publications," then "Alphabetical," and scroll down to click on "Relief of Conscience Letter") or phone 800-773-7752, or PPL or phone 703-569-9474.

Top / Click for related articles / Return to Winter 2001 Index / Next article
To begin receiving Presbyterians Pro-Life NEWS by mail, click here. Then click "Newsletter."

Home / About PPL / Contact PPL / Topical Index / PPL Publications / Pregnant? We’ll Help
Adoption Resources / Post Abortion Resources / PPL NEWS Articles / Order Resources / Prayer Calendar