Breaking News Archive 2009

The Battle is Shifting

The battle over health care reform has moved from the House of Representatives to the Senate. Pro-life Democrats flexed their political muscle in the House and forced a vote on funding of abortion in the health care bill—and prevailed.

Pro-abortion activists and politicians went ballistic for being handed such a high profile defeat while enjoying the most pro-abortion president and congress in our nation’s history.

President Obama recently addressed the issue of funding abortion in health care reform. During a TV interview with ABC News’ Jake Tapper, he said, “We’re not looking to change what is the principle that has been in place for a very long time, which is federal dollars are not used to subsidize abortions.” But in the same interview the President said, “there needs to be some more work” on the health care bill and indicated that he opposed the Stupak amendment restricting abortion funding. This left everyone—political pundits, activist and members of Congress—confused. His statements clearly conflict.

Remember, this is a president who doesn’t let facts get in the way of a good political argument. Just months into office, his administration released a memo warning Americans that pro-lifers—quoting the words of the memo, those “dedicated to [an] opposition to abortion”—might be “domestic rightwing terrorists.”

Then, when an individual shouts “Allah-u-Akbar” (God is great) before slaughtering 13 patriots (and one unborn child) at Ft. Hood—the same individual who repeatedly emailed radical Muslim leaders who advocate suicide bombs to take out American soldiers—the President says we shouldn’t “jump to conclusions” by calling him a domestic terrorist.

Both of these statements by Mr. Obama were contrary to the facts, but it still didn’t deter him from making his political points. Therefore, pro-life Americans need to be ready when the President says he’s opposed to funding abortion in health care reform, but then does all he can to make it possible.

The battle to protect innocent human life must now shift to our senators. Communicate with them on a regular basis between now and the ultimate vote. Abortion isn’t our only concern. Here are some key points you should convey:

• Clear wording must be included to prohibit funding of abortion in any health care reform legislation. The Stupak amendment in the House version must also be included in the Senate.
• Ask them to oppose any bill that doesn’t protect the conscience of medical professionals. Doctors, nurses or pharmacists could be forced to participate in abortion or other morally objectionable procedures.
• Our elderly and chronically ill must be protected against rationing of health care to prioritize budget considerations of a government-controlled health care system. This would give way to wide scale euthanasia.

Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, says the Senate version will not include funding of abortion. Frankly, I don’t trust him or other leaders in Congress. We’re in the battle of our lives and must do all we can to protect the most weak and defenseless among us. Here’s a link to contact your senators: www.senate.gov/.

Sincerely for LIFE,
Bradley Mattes
Executive Director
Life Issues Institute

11/13/09

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