Mexico City Policy
Obama policy reversal causes outcry from female Latin American leaders
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Liliana Negre de Alonso at an assembly of Argentina's Senate

Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 30, 2009 / 04:32 am (CNA).- Several Latin American leaders have criticized President Barack Obama’s Jan. 23 reversal of the Mexico City Policy, arguing its funding of organizations which promote or perform abortions both disrespects the right to life and threatens countries whose laws protect unborn human life.

Christine Vollmer, President of the Caracas-based Latin American Alliance for the Family (ALAFA), in a Wednesday statement called the decision a “horrible way” to begin relations with Central and South America.

“Instead of a positive message of wanting to work to better conditions for every Latin American, President Obama has announced his willingness to fund the enemies of the people of Latin America, whose laws generally are very respectful of the right to life before birth.”

Liliana Negre de Alonso, Vice-president of Argentina's Senate and president of the World Action of Parliamentarians and Political Leaders for Life, attacked the U.S. president’s decision.

“We can’t say we defend human rights if we don't defend the first human right, the Right to Life from conception to natural death,” she said. “To use public funds to finance groups that promote abortion is not respecting the First Human Right, Life.”

Congresswoman Martha Lorena de Casco of Honduras voiced “deep regret and sorrow” that “one of President Obama's first decisions is to revoke the Mexico City policy.”

“I interpret this action as a promotion of abortion and a threat to the national legislation of my country,” she said.

Julia Regina de Cardenal from the El Salvadoran organization "Yes to Life” said her country’s constitution and laws have “total protection” for the right to life from the moment of conception.

“Our ‘Yes to Life’ organization works on a daily basis to provide practical help in a loving and life-enhancing way to poor women who have difficult pregnancies,” she said.

“Ours is the ideal situation: protective legislation and practical, life-enhancing help for people who need it. The U.S. government should follow our example; we shouldn't be pressured to repeat their tragic, anti-life experience!”

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: JMC
NY NY USA 12/17/2009 10:12 PM EST
Dear Obama : MIND YOUR OWN COUNTRY !! America is a large country with problems of it's own, and you have no right to make decisions that influence another culture without their support. Don't you think that the stereotype of American Presidents wielding their power outside of America's boundries is growing a little stale in the World? Do we not have enough people on the planet who hate us for our meddling ways? Not to mention the fact that American's are constantly being put upon to pay for stuff without our expressed approval. I hope this gets more publicity so it can be stopped. America is dominated by faith-based families who would be horrified to know where their aid is going.
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Published by: Laura Lynn
St. Augustine,FL,USA 01/31/2009 02:47 AM EST
How can American opposition to torture of prisoners of war based on human dignity be an honest and respected belief when great numbers of it's own citizens have been and continue to be systematically suctioned,dismembered, or burned to death while still in the womb.
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Published by: Dan Deeny
Kirksville,MO,USA 01/30/2009 02:41 PM EST
Pres. Obama has strong support in the U.S. from influential Catholics. But maybe opposition in Latin America will change the policy. If the Latin Americans emphasize the racist aspects of his program, maybe enough people in the U.S. will begin to oppose his program.
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Published by: Lee
Oswego, IL 01/30/2009 01:53 PM EST
Hurrah for Christine!!
Keep up the momentum and maybe Obama will give up!!Pray, pray,pray!!
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Published by: Carolyn Del Carlo
Stockton, CA 01/30/2009 12:10 PM EST
Unfortunately, by zooming in on this, Obama has pointedly shown the world his real agenda; population control thru contrceptives/abortion.
How does this help the economy?
U.S. CATHOLICS, RISE UP AND
DMAND MORE FROM OUR LEADERS. Biden and Pelosi (Catholics?) shame on you!
Pray for all of them.
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Published by: Teresa Lawrence
San Antonio, Texas 01/30/2009 11:00 AM EST
Our American President does not seem to realize that every violation against life at any stage only increases the violence of our world, the break-down of relationships, and the destruction of society.
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Published by: Brandon
New York, NY USA 01/30/2009 08:39 AM EST
Since Obama did not listen to the people of the United States about reversing the policy, maybe some criticism from abroad will change his mind. Hopefully he will see the error of his decision and change the policy once again.
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