In order to take care of a $660 million budget deficit, Governor Don Carcieri has suggested removing 28 pregnant women from the state's "payor of  last resort" health insurance program.  The program allows women earning between 250% to 350% of the poverty level (between $36,425 and $50,995) to purchase health insurance for approximately $300 per month.  The cut will save taxpayers almost $235,000 per year.

     All pregnant women should have healthcare, but this is their repsonsibility to obtain it, not the state's.  If they knew they couldn't afford to provide proper care for their children, they shouldn't have had children until they were prepared financially.  After all, it is their child!  This excerpt really jumped out at me:

Defending the proposal yesterday before a skeptical House Finance Committee, Florio told lawmakers that the pregnant women would have other options if cut. Specifically, she noted a Blue Cross & Blue Shield private plan available for $660 per month.

“That’s an option?” a concerned committee chairman Steven M. Costantino asked in disbelief.

     For a family of two, this program allows women to earn between $36,425 and $50,995.  Shouldn't asking them to take out another $300 each month be considered a viable option?  That is a decent salary range for a family of two, and the decision to become pregnant was theirs.  If they need to come up with the extra money each month, perhaps they could cut out frivolous purchases.  Of course, paying for healthcare isn't fun.  I know, since I pay for mine.