Washington D.C., Nov 23, 2009 / 21:46 pm
Pro-life and conservative leaders reacted critically to the Senate’s Saturday decision to proceed on a Senate bill they say would provide government funding for elective abortion, create a new tax penalty on married couples and fail to protect the consciences of health care providers.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins charged that the vote disregards the consciences of the majority of Americans and would create "the largest expansion of abortions since the 1970s."
"Forcing Americans to buy government approved health care insurance is arguably unconstitutional. Forcing Americans to fund abortion within the government plan is without question unconscionable," Perkins said in a statement.
He expressed disappointment that pro-life Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Neb.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) voted to advance the bill.