University to Include Abortions In Student Health Care Plan

The University Health Services has adopted a policy of paying for students' non-therapeutic abortions, but it will refund the portion of the health services fee that goes toward that coverage to students who oppose voluntary abortions.

Dr. Warren E.C. Wacker, director of UHS, said yesterday the amount of the health services fee involved is less than $1.00.

The University health insurance policy has covered maternity benefits for students since September. But Wacker said the UHS decided to include abortion coverage under the regular health care free because some students waive the Blue Cross-Blue Shield policy.

UHS will not perform abortions, but will refer women to outside clinics and provide up to $150 to pay for them. Most first trimester abortions cost slightly less than that amount.

Services Added

The addition of abortion services will not cause an increase in the health services fee, Wacker said.

Ann G. Bisbee, assistant to the director of UHS for abortion referral, said yesterday she is "very gratified" by the policy change.

Bisbee said she has counseled about 50 undergraduates seeking abortions each year in the past, but said she cannot predict how many students will approach UHS now that the University will pay for abortions.

Although she has never known a Harvard student to forego an abortion because of financial difficulties, the policy change will allow students to focus more clearly on emotional questions, Bisbee said.

"Money is not the overwhelming problem, but it makes it easier [for people considering abortions] not to have to worry about it," Bisbee added.

Wacker said he does not know how many students will request refunds under the new abortion policy. However, in an experimental policy covering abortions for University employees this summer, only about 50 out of 8000 people covered asked not to participate in the policy, he said.

The Corporation approved the policy change for students earlier this month, after reviewing the results of the experimental program.

Jane R. Clark '77, chairman of the health care subcommittee of the Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS), said yesterday the committee believes the UHS policy respects arguments against abortions while providing adequate coverage.

A survey of the Ivy League schools last spring showed Harvard to be the last to include abortion insurance in its health care plan. "It's about time we did it," Clark said.

RUS has maintained an emergency fund for Radcliffe students seeking abortions and maternity aid, and Clark and other RUS members have been active in discussions with UHS about its policy.

Grace Mary Belfiore '79, who objected last year to the RUS abortion coverage, said yesterday she believes the UHS plan is a fair one. "The important thing to me is that I don't have to pay for any part of it," she said.