No federal funds can be used to pay for abortions

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While many people in Los Angeles are concerned about health care being passed today, others are focused on the abortion part of the bill. President Obama signed an executive order that says no federal funds can be used to pay for abortions. Brandon Marcus investigates what this means for residents in South Los Angeles.

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Today is a monumental today in the advancement of health care for Americans. But, while many citizens are focusing on the health care part of the bill, some are directing their attention to the abortion section.

Planned Parenthood is one of the most prominent abortion clinics and it is thrilled with today's news. "Bringing 32 million people into our health care system is one of the hugest advances we would see in our country, and I think it's just a monumental effort and monumental victory, even though not everything is perfect about the bill," says Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Issaacs.

Although many pro-abortion advocates can be pleased with the advances in health care, they may not be too happy about a certain executive order put in the bill. The order states that no federal funds can be used for abortions except in extreme cases such as rape, incest or the mother's health.

Isaacs is upset about this and said, "I don't see why something that women,in particular, may need at a particular time for a number of reasons…why that should be marginalized and held out and somehow made different."

South Los Angeles residents have conflicting opinions on using federal money for abortions. "The economy cannot afford any more people as far as wealth care and stuff like that, so I think [the government] should pay for it," said Gloria Lopez.

"People should take care of themselves. Pregnancy is preventable," says Soiley Pantalion. Pantalion would rather see the money that would be used for abortions to be used for new schools and hospitals.

While there many be differing opinions amongst residents, everyone agrees that monumental change was made today.