Pro-life organizations celebrate Stupak amendment, warn of existing risks on health care bill

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 27

President Barack Obama

Washington D.C., Nov 8, 2009 / 08:43 am (CNA).- This morning, top pro-life organizations across the U.S. praised the inclusion of strong pro-life provisions on the health care bill via the Stupak-Pitts amendment, but warned that Obama’s health care project still poses significant threats to life and family issues, especially in the version discussed in the Senate.

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which was given the opportunity to be taken to a vote after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi realized she did not have sufficient votes to pass the bill, removed two major pro-abortion components from H.R. 3962: The prohibition of the "public option" from paying for abortion, except to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest; and by permanently prohibiting the use of the new federal premium subsidies to purchase private insurance plans that cover abortion.

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment passed by a margin of 240-194, while the health care bill passed later on Saturday night by 220-215.

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) Legislative Director Douglas Johnson said that "the Obama White House and top congressional Democratic leaders spent months concealing and misrepresenting provisions that would directly fund abortions through a government plan, and subsidize premiums for private abortion plans. Today's bipartisan House vote is a sharp blow to the White House's pro-abortion smuggling operation."

Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said on Saturday that, "the House of Representatives made a principled and politically sound decision to continue our nation's longstanding policy of protecting taxpayers' conscience in the area of abortion funding. We urge the Senate to follow suit."

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins described the amendment's passage as "a huge pro-life victory for women, their unborn children, and families. We applaud this House vote which prohibits the abortion industry from further profiting from taxpayers by using government funds to pay for the gruesome act of abortion. I congratulate the bipartisan coalition that for months has worked to ensure that abortion is not covered in the bill."

Operation Rescue President Troy Newman also said on Sunday that "the voices of 71% of the American people who oppose taxpayer funded abortions were heard loud and clear. We thank each one who took the time to raise their voices in opposition to the Obama-Pelosi- Carhart effort to force taxpayers to fund the shedding of innocent blood through abortion."

While Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life said: "the passage of this amendment is a victory for the pro-life Americans across this country who have flooded Congress this week with the message that abortion does not belong in health care. The bipartisan effort that led to its passage, under the leadership of Congressmen Bart Stupak and Joe Pitts, is a step toward a future where both political parties defend Life."

Nevertheless, the pro-life organizations highlighted that the threats against the right to life still exist.

In fact, NRLC's leadership warned that "the White House and pro- abortion congressional Democratic leaders will keep trying to enact government funding of abortion, and will keep trying to conceal their true intentions, so there is a long battle ahead."

"We will remain vigilant, and shift our efforts to the Senate to ensure that these same pro-life protections are added to the Senate bill, said the Susan B. Anthony List.

FRC's Perkins also warned that: "unfortunately, H.R. 3962 is a seriously flawed piece of legislation. The Speaker's bill still allows rationing of health care for seniors, raises health costs for families, mandates that families purchase under threat of fines and penalties, encourages counseling for assisted suicide in some states, does not offer broad conscience protections for health care workers and seeks to insert the federal government into all aspects of citizen's lives. Speaker Pelosi is using the guise of health care reform to push her version of social engineering onto American taxpayers. Additionally, the legislation would place a crushing debt on both current and future generations."

Concerned Women of America said that "the bill still contains objectionable provisions that will ration and deny health care and pay for coercive 'end of life planning'."

"There is still a long way to go to prevent government subsidized health care from paying for abortions. Now the ball is in the Senate's court, and we pray that the common sense displayed in the House on the matter of abortion funding will also prevail in the Senate," Operation Rescue's statement said.

Dr. Yoest warned too that "one victory however does not mean the battle is won."

"We are deeply concerned by the rhetoric we heard today from Democratic leadership indicating an intention to subvert the bipartisan pro-life majority. We will remain vigilant in watching the final language of the Senate bill to ensure that pro-life protections remain in the final health care reform bill."

The only dissenting voice came from the pro-Obama "Catholics United," whose executive director, Chris Korzen said that "the bishops' stamp of approval means that this bill is unambiguously pro-life, and we will vigorously oppose those who suggest otherwise."

However, a staff member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) currently working on the Hill to prevent health care from including an abortion mandate, quickly dismissed Korzen's claim.

Speaking for background to CNA, the USCCB staff member said that "there is stamp no of approval from the bishops whatsoever. Someone here has been either extremely naive or extremely partisan."

The bill will now be debated and voted upon in the Senate.

Comments: 27

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Ben Thomsen
Athens/GA/USA 11/19/2009 06:30 PM EST

It is the voting of the Pro-life Democrats that give me hope that it is very possible to vote Democrat and be Catholic so long as the candidate represents as those few good representatives did. Honestly I have never been faced with the choice of voting for a pro-life Democrat (I am young), so I hope one day I will actually get to consider the other issues at stake for a change (since abortion is such a behemoth, I cannot compromise with votes regarding it).

Published by: Diana Remacle
Cottonwood ID USA 11/16/2009 09:48 PM EST

Maybe we need to take back our responsibility as American Citizens and pass an amendment to the Constitution of the United States by popular vote (which I believe we have) that defines human life in all of its stages. Personally, I would get this started! However, I am ashamed to say that I don't know the first step.

Published by: h. keith sterzing
Cedar Park, TX, USA 11/09/2009 09:24 PM EST

We are very proud of the 64 Pro-Life Democrats in this House vote. We only regret that the House bill did not allow states to adopt a Single Payer System within their state. Let us hope we can get that provision in the Senate bill and final bill.

Published by: Mary Hamilton
West St. Paul 11/09/2009 05:19 PM EST

The "exception" for rape, incest and/or to save the life of the mother is still in that bill. We all know how many times abortionists have gotten around that. It really doesn't change a thing and most likely the whole bill will be excluded anyway. This whole dabacle isn't about anybody's health, it's stricly about control and destuction of America. We need to pray that someone will grow a back bone and lead the congress back to the constitution.

Published by: Michael Futschik
Lake Jackson, TX 11/09/2009 04:18 PM EST

Jacob - This needs to be slightly re-worded: "No one is Catholic who is opposed to AUTHENTIC universal healthcare. The Bishops support universal healthcare as long as abortion is not funded or encouraged through the government health program. All of you left wing nutcase Catholics need to go find another church (aka Episcopal Church). Jesus cared for the poor; but most Democrats and many Republicans hate the unborn and want them to die from abortion." Now this is more accurate.

Published by: Pippo buono
Paradise Valley, AZ 11/09/2009 02:53 PM EST

At first, I was quite excited to hear that the Stupak Amendment had passed, but then I learned that the bar on federal funding for abortion does not apply to cases of rape, incest, or the mother's health. I'm confused as to why pro-life organizations are not voicing their dissent on these open ends. Rape or incest does not merit the death of the child, and the definition for "mother's health" established by the Doe vs. Bolton decision is broad and, ultimately, arbitrary. I had hoped that the USCCB's call for a universal health care that respects all life would become a reality, but if these exceptions for abortions are present, it remains a contradiction to the very notion of "health care."

Published by: jan
t'ville, ga usa 11/09/2009 01:32 PM EST

Our Lord says "if my people will turn back to me and pray, I will hear their pleas and I will bless their land" It appears that America is not praying as she should. If we don't, we will lose more and more; pray from an open heart and ask, no, plead to God to save us from this disaster! Only in Him is our salvation from what Washington and political leaders are doing to our beautiful America.

Published by: Jay
New Orleans 11/09/2009 08:38 AM EST

Rate: Regular

Irony of ironies! It was the efforts of the bishops and pro-lifers who ensured the passage of health care reform in the House of Representatives! Ironic because they don't want health care reform at all! Now, they'll come up with brand new reasons to oppose it. Their true colors are now revealed. As always, right wingers are against any measures that improve the lives of ordinary Americans. They opposed Social Security, Medicare and Civil Rights, all branded as "socialism."

Published by: Andrew J. Decker, III
Live Oak, Florida, United States 11/09/2009 06:58 AM EST

While the efforts of the Conference of Catholic Bishops to obtain removal of abortion funding from the health insurance deregulation and tax bill is commendable, I am afraid it will prove to be short-lived. For the short-term, this Faustian bargain will slow the mounting Holocaust - - at the cost of personal, timely and competent medical care and individual freedom. Through conference committee sleight-of-hand; subsequent legislative acts in the next few years; or judicial fiat, abortion funding will be like the "nose of the camel." Abortion funding will find its way inside the tent again because we live in a culture in which whatever is technologically feasible and can be made socially opaque becomes morally defensible. One headline speaks volumes on the lack of hope, love and charity in our country: "Abortion an obstacle to health-care reform bill." How incredibly banal evil can become in our society! For abortion proponents this translates: "We cannot ostensibly improve and expand the delivery of health care services unless we can slay more of the unborn."

Published by: Father Joe Blonski
Show Low, AZ, USA 11/09/2009 06:56 AM EST

We will rue the day when we allowed environmental extremists to run our healthcare. For them, human beings are the disease.

Published by: Patrick Minnis
Yorktown, VA, USA 11/08/2009 09:39 PM EST

"May have been a ruse"? No, this was a ruse. The reason it is definitely a ruse is because there has been no protest from NARAL, NOW, and all of the other abortion interests are quiet. They may make a peep eventually, but the USCCB and mamy others have already bought this hook, line, and sinker. It will return in the final version with the senate.

Published by: ew
Dallas, TX 11/08/2009 09:28 PM EST

The chances are this amendment will be killed in committee. It was a sop to get pro-lifers on board for an horrendous bill. Shame on those who bought into this farce. And did everyone see how the new rep from the 23rd. district in NY voted? Only 5 votes separated the yeas and nays. And his was on the wrong side. Hope we can do better in '10.

Published by: Guillermo Vega
winter springs/fl/usa 11/08/2009 09:03 PM EST

This entire bill is anarchism at its best. How can we Americans in good faith allow this Marxist Socialist government to impose evil planned legislation upon this great Nation citizens. If you have not raised your voice and concerns, you have no one to blame for but yourself.

Published by: robert francis
taylor/michigan/usa 11/08/2009 07:16 PM EST

These so called "health care" bills written by the democrats don't address anything to reduce health care costs. If they are passed health care costs will continue to rise as the govt will pay any and all claims froma health care provider. Fraud will run rampant. The only difference is that if a "public option" is included, it will drive out any private insurance companies. And the govt will determine what happens and who does it in "your" health care." Catholics: don't be deceived by the Stupak amendment in the house version, as Obama, if has his way, will have taxpayer paid for abortions upon demand, restored in the senate version.

Published by: HP Stehmer
Wellsboro PA USA 11/08/2009 02:56 PM EST

Bravo for Rep. Stupak! His persistence has paid of and put a chink into Polosi`s armor. Still do not like the health bill for its intrusiveness of the government into where it does not belong.

Published by: Jerri
Seattle/WA/USA 11/08/2009 02:54 PM EST

This amendment had better include a proviso to provide the funding necessary to support these women and their children. How many kids are trapped in foster care, how many are undernourished, not cared for , abused? If you're going to force low income or under-insured women to remain pregnant then we, as a country, had better provide the resources necessary to support all of them as we would want to live, no second class status, no leftovers. No more erectile dysfunction medications on the public option then. How mean spirited, how cruel can this group of individuals be? No one is forcing anyone to get an abortion, but we are forcing women to be parents. Sad day.

Published by: Jacob
Maryland 11/08/2009 02:30 PM EST

No one is Catholic who is opposed to universal healthcare. The Bishops support universal healthcare as long as abortion is not funded or encouraged through the government health program. All of you right wind nutcase Catholics need to go find another church. Jesus cared for the poor, Republicans hate the poor and want them to die from lack of health care.

Published by: John Campbell
Scottsdale AZ 11/08/2009 02:25 PM EST

I reject those posters throwing up their hands and saying 'All is lost'. Americans fought one revolution against tyranny. If it becomes necessary, we will have to fight another. In the meantime don't give up on the hard work of legislative reform through peaceful and legitimate means. Above all, do the work the Constitution demands of each citizen and pray for God's will to be done in every action undertaken.

Published by: Hal Barton
Eureka, ca. usa 11/08/2009 01:57 PM EST

It was the republicans who spent and assisted crooks is sucking all the blood out of the poorer citizens - they favor their own kind, and they are not really Citizens of the USA, but Citizens of the World - they live largely outside of this country, and if it fell, they would still live in luxuriance and comfort we only look forward to in heaven. So, all we poor get is a flawed health bill - but that is better than 50,000 people dying each year because of stinginess. And, at least, now we won't have to pay for the murder of innocent little babies! So, a little love is betten'n nothin!

Published by: Mike Jarman
Hershey/PA/USA 11/08/2009 01:13 PM EST

Rep. Stupak took a courageous and principled stand against the leadership of his own party, and should be commended for his sacrifice. As for the other commentators on this article, they demonstrate that the real subject of their worship is Grover Norquist, not Jesus Christ. Me, I choose to believe that good people will see to it that the poor receive healthcare AND the unborn are protected.

Published by: Jeff Johnson
Collegeville, MN 11/08/2009 11:15 AM EST

We need to keep praying our Holy Rosaries that no money at all from this bill will fund abortions. The danger of this being changed in the senate is great. NARAL and Planned Parenthood and all pro-abortionists like Obama and Pelosi want this bloody sin to continue, and the 43 million souls whose lives were taken by abortion are all looking down from the dome of heaven, wondering why we can't stand up to them, and take this troubled country back.

Published by: Taras Galysh
East Berlin, PA 11/08/2009 11:01 AM EST

Agree that just because it passed in the HOuse it will make it into any final bill. Pro-lifers should not get too excited about this. If you think you can trust the l;iberals - the same people that do not allow God in our schools you are very mistaken. Pray that they receive wisdom quickly because if not then we need pray for ourselves as we are in peril.

Published by: David
San Antonio 11/08/2009 10:48 AM EST

Abortion coverage will end up in the bill...when you play with snakes long enough they will bite. The very fact that PP is not crying at the top of their lungs tells us that they've been given assurances behind closed doors. It's very sad but we've only ourselves to blame for being so indifferent to everything; and then reacting when it's frankly too late.

Published by: Bobby Hawk
Lithia Springs, ga. USA 11/08/2009 08:30 AM EST

Rate: Good

The health care bill is not about health care at all. Its about the government taking over the health industry in hopes of obtaining vast sums of money and expanding their employment base (unions). But specifically, it was about the democrats having power over the citizens of the United States. With this health care bill passed, every United States citizen will eventually be forced into a government run health care system. Worse the government will have the ability of power over each individual as to their health care needs and requirements. Government officials will be able to use this tool for evil purposes against the citizens of the United States. Sound far fetched? Just look at who has the ultimate power under this bill to place you into a mental institution if you dare speak out against or run against one of the existing democrats. This is the most disingenuous, dangerous, and evil pieces of legislation that has ever existed in any country known to man. Many good Americans will eventually die at the hands of government administrators who will as history repeats its self, abuse there power. This is the like of the KGB and the Nazi SS all over again , and America as we knew it as fallen. Freedom and Free speech are dead with the passage of this bill. Good night America, that once shining free light on the hill has been extinguished and darkness now prevaileth.

Published by: Francis
Wareham MA 11/08/2009 07:19 AM EST

Rate: Good

"Although an amendment passed to bar federal funding of abortion, Democrat leaders refused to guarantee that it will be in the final bill. The vote on the amendment may have been a ruse to gain pro-life Democrats vote for the bill." No Kidding! Does Nancy Pelosi, Barack Hussein Obama, the Democratic party, NARAL, and planned parenthood really expect TRUE and FAITHFUL Catholics to believe that this amendment will survive the final bill? I don't think so!! This pro life amendment was just a ploy to get this socialized healthcare bill passed. As A Catholic, I hope that this whole healthcare bill fails, being it is totally unCatholic (the final bill will support abortion, euthanasia etc). As an American I hope it fails also,(being that the whole thing is unconstitutional and unAmerican).

Published by: MIKE SULLIVAN
FAIRVIEW,texas,usa 11/08/2009 07:02 AM EST

Rate: Good

GOOD-BYE FREEDOM HELLO KARL MARX!!!!!!! WHAT WILL STOP THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING (BO) AND HIS EVIL QUEEN (NANCY)??....GOD HELP (AND BLESS) AMERICA

Published by: Radomysl Twardowski
Bismarck, ND, USA 11/08/2009 05:17 AM EST

We are not really a free country anymore unless a miracle happens and it fails in the Senate.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com