Health Care Reform Law Challenged

The new Health care reform law is believed to be a victory of the Obama administration. But before it takes effect, some states promised to file lawsuits to stop it from being enacted.

One such lawsuit was filed in Michigan on March 23 - the day President Obama signed the health care reform bill into law  - by a conservative public interest group known as the Thomas More Law Center.

The group questioned the legality of the provisions that require that most Americans either pay money to insurance companies or pay fines to the government. It said these provisions are unconstitutional.

The group also said that the law violates their constitutional rights because federal tax would be channeled to fund abortions.

On Tuesday, The Department of Justice defended the health care reform law saying Congress has its authority to pass the bill and those who do not want to buy health insurance may qualify for an exemption from any penalty.

Robert Muise, senior trial counsel who represents the group, was cited as saying that his team is ready to respond to every argument the Obama administration may raise.

The requirement that young and healthy people should purchase health insurance is considered as a necessity for the validity of the health care system.

Jimmy Downs