I think this (via Atrios) is excellent politics:
The Prevention First Act is sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), one of few congressional Democrats considered anti-abortion. The bill, which Reid introduced at the start of the Congress, has the support of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), presumptive front-runner in the 2008 presidential primary and 21 other Democrats.Note that it a) has very broad appeal, even among many voters who oppose abortion (and here the symbolism of having Reid sponsor the bill is important), but b) doesn't compromise on our commitment to choice; is c) substantively a good bill; and d) will be completely unacceptable to the wingnuts who run the Republican party (whose opposition to abortion is belied by their efforts to make it more necessary).
The bill would prohibit group health plans from excluding contraceptive drugs, devices and outpatient services if they cover the cost of other prescription drugs and outpatient services. It would also require the secretary of health and human services to disseminate information on emergency contraception to healthcare providers and require hospitals receiving federal money to provide emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault.
The bill would also mandate that federally funded programs provide information about contraceptives that is medically accurate and includes data on health benefits and failure rates.
Instant Wedge.
I think this is one of those cases where we don't have to choose between appealing to moderate voters and satisfying the base. I would hope that everyone on the Democratic side agrees that better access to contraceptives (and contraceptive information) is a Good Thing, and the best possible way to reduce unwanted pregnancies. I also think that, while I disagree with Reid on abortion rights, this tells me that at least he isn't a hypocrite about it.
[That's all, folks]
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