Fox News is reporting that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are continuing to oppose the Senate health care bill saying that even with new language, the bill would still not allow individuals to “opt out” of paying for abortion coverage in most of the subsidized plans available.

“Instead it will require purchasers of such plans to pay a distinct fee or surcharge which is extracted solely to help pay for other people’s abortions,” said the USCCB in a written statement Saturday. “Further, the government agency that currently manages health coverage for federal employees will promote and help subsidize multi-state health plans that include elective abortions, contrary to longstanding law governing this agency.”

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) had some restrictions written into the Senate bill, but the compromise still provides for public funding for abortion. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who helped craft language to restrict abortion in the House bill, described the Nelson compromise as unacceptable.
With the Senate poised to vote on the legislation this week, the USCCB has said that the health care reform bill should not move forward in its current form and should be “opposed” until the conference’s objections are addressed.