Conservatives say they pushed Dede Scozzafava out of the House race in New York’s 23rd District a week ago because of her left-of-Republican social views — and not because she is a woman.

But the growing schism between the Republican Party’s ascendant right wing and its shrinking moderate core has clear gender undertones — and Scozzafava’s departure raises fresh questions about the GOP’s ability to recruit, elect and even tolerate the sort of moderate women who used to be part of its ruling mainstream.

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Democrats have long maintained that the Republican Party is hostile to all but the most conservative women, and they cited last week’s rough-and-tumble House health care debate as proof that things are getting worse.

On Saturday, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) repeatedly cited parliamentary rules in an attempt to shout down Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.), who was trying to deliver a speech defending abortion rights.

A day earlier, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) suggested that women who complained that their gender was designated a “pre-existing condition” by some insurers were on a par with smokers because both groups incur higher treatment costs.

“Why should a smoker pay more?” asked Sessions, who runs the National Republican Congressional Committee — which is tasked with recruiting new female candidates.

Snyderman: Kelly, you know what I find so infuriating about this? I mean, absolutely infuriating? And this isn't about being pro-choice or pro-abortion or any of the hot button lingo. We know women pay more for insurance than men. We know women are restricted in the states. And now it's basically, if you're a 50 year old woman and you're in a monogamous relationship you suddenly find yourself pregnant, you better have an abortion rider to access health care that you thought you had? It is one more pressure on women. I'm surprised that frankly there isn't more outrage over the fact that ...this isn't fair!

Kelly O'Donnell: What you're voicing is what woman after woman on the Democrat side, the progressive side of the party, said on the House floor. They came out one after another, speaking in very strong terms against this amendment the amendment did pass despite their objections. The amendment puts, as you describe, pressure on women to anticipate a need for something that is a very difficult personal experience with a lot more implications. It's not an easy situation for any woman and to now ask them to plan ahead for the potential and buy an extra policy, those who oppose this amendment say that is simply too much.

Snyderman: A white man deciding a woman's (deep breath)... deciding a woman's responsibility in her own procreation. I mean I ... I find it infuriating. I really think it doesn't matter what side of the abortion issue you're on, the fact that they are making health care harder and harder for women to navigate the system. I think it's outrageous. Just outrageous. Kelly O'Donnell, thank you.

And folks it's not about abortion. It really is about one more burden for women navigating the health care system. Before I blow my top, time to turn to Monica Novotny at the news desk. Monica, get me out of here ...