Comment on FR Doc # 2010-18691

I am writing in strong opposition to the prohibition on abortion coverage, except in limited circumstances, in Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans. There is no justification in law or policy for this prohibition. It will prevent women with serious pre-existing medical conditions from getting the abortion coverage they need to protect their health, even when they pay for such coverage themselves. Pregnancy could lead to serious health threats for the medically vulnerable women who are otherwise uninsurable and need access to these plans. For example, women with diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or those who have received a kidney transplant could face blindness, limb amputation, seizures, liver failure, or stroke if forced to carry a pregnancy to term. The new health care law was meant to expand health coverage to all Americans. Instead, this provision restricts access to critical care for an already vulnerable population of women. I urge withdrawal of this prohibition in the rule.