Deep impact

Another consequence of the abortion provision tucked away in the government spending bill from the Tenneseean:

In Middle Tennessee, access to abortions is not expected to be affected because clinics that provide them believe in the procedure and are not expected to change their policies.

However, opponents and proponents of the clause say some women here and throughout the country could lose insurance coverage for the procedure.

The provision allows hospitals, doctors, clinics and insurance companies to refuse to provide or pay for abortions, abortion counseling and referrals without losing federal, state or local tax dollars. ''Conscience protection'' measures were already provided to Roman Catholic doctors.

(snip)

[Mark Huffman, vice president of education and training for Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee] said the impact of the new law in this region could be felt if hospitals and insurance companies opt not to provide or cover abortions. That could prevent some doctors from performing them in the hospital, and preclude some women from obtaining them because their health plans won't cover it.

He said more doctors and pharmacists in the area could also refuse to provide emergency contraception, or high-dose hormone pills that prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of intercourse.

''The impact of this wide, sweeping clause will really depend on how health-care providers respond to it,'' Huffman said. ''But it could lead to a situation where a woman looking for accurate information on abortion will be forced to play Russian roulette, depending on which health provider she goes to.''