Limited effect seen in abortion clause

Restrictions on abortion coverage approved in the House version of the health-care bill likely will affect the affordability of the procedure for only a small minority of women. Nearly half of all privately insured individuals have abortion coverage, according a 2003 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. But many don't want to use their insurance because of privacy concerns. Just 13% of abortions nationwide are billed to private insurance, according to a 2001 study by the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights but is cited as a reliable source of data by both sides in the abortion debate. An unknown number of people might seek reimbursement from their insurance company after the procedure. Applying the 13% figure to the most recent abortion data available suggests that fewer than 160,000 women a year rely on insurance to cover the cost of an abortion upfront. More than 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester, at an average cost of $413. WSJ