Sen. Nelson accepts Reid abortion provisions, upsets pro-life community

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Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.)

Washington D.C., Dec 19, 2009 / 04:54 pm (CNA).- This afternoon Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) announced that he will now vote for cloture on the Senate health care bill and for the bill itself. The move is causing the pro-life community to say that he caved in to pressure from within his party.

Announcing his decision in a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Sen. Nelson remarked, “Change is never easy … but change is what is needed in America today. And that is why I intend to vote for cloture… and vote for health care reform.”

The Nebraska senator also remarked on the issue of abortion, which has been a major point of contention during his negotiations.

“As you know,” the senator said at his press conference, “I have strongly held views on the subject and I have fought hard to prevent tax dollars from being used to subsidize abortions. I believe we have accomplished that goal. I have also fought hard to protect the right of states to regulate the kind of insurance that is offered, and to provide health insurance options in every state that do not provide coverage for abortion.

“I know these limits on abortion are hard for some people to accept, and I respect those who disagree, but I would not have voted for this bill without them.” Senator Nelson stated.

But the new manager's amendment introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Saturday morning was found to be seriously wanting by the pro-life community.

The National Right to Life Committee's legislative director Douglas Johnson described the Reid Amendment as “light years removed from the Stupak-Pitts Amendment that was approved by the House of Representatives on November 8 by a bipartisan vote of 240-194.

“The new abortion language solves none of the fundamental abortion-related problems with the Senate bill, and it actually creates some new abortion-related problems,” Johnson asserted.

Among the problems cited by Johnson are that the amendment allows the federal government to “subsidize private insurance plans that cover abortion on demand, to oversee multi-state plans that cover elective abortions, and to empower federal officials to mandate that private health plans cover abortions even if they do not accept subsidized enrollees.”

Pro-life organizations were particularly upset that Sen. Nelson appeared to have faltered in his vigilance against “accounting schemes” aimed at funding abortion with taxpayer money.

Concerned Women for America president Wendy Wright said, "Senator Ben Nelson appears to have overlooked some realities. The option for states to opt out of abortion coverage is illusory. The federal government will be subsidizing elective abortions, a federal agency will be managing abortion coverage, and individuals (even those in Nebraska) will be paying for abortions through an accounting scheme.”

Wright also pointed out that under current federal law and programs, “federal funds may not be used for any part of a plan that covers elective abortions. The human right not to be forced to be an accomplice to an evil act, in this case the deliberate murder of innocent babies, is a basic decency that the government should not force individuals or entities to violate.”
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser faulted the Reid Amendment for changing the status quo, in which no citizen is forced to pay for abortions.

“If this bill passes,” Dannenfelser warned, “for the first time, federally funded and managed health care plans will cover elective abortions. Pro-life Americans in Nebraska and other states that choose to 'opt-out' of abortion coverage will still be forced to foot the bill for abortions in California and New York.

"This is not 'compromise' or 'middle ground' - it is a betrayal of conscience for millions of Americans. And it is a betrayal of Senator Nelson's own principles. Abortion is never good for women or their unborn children,” said the SBA List president.

Comments: 37

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Mark T
San Antonio TX USA 12/24/2009 01:53 PM EST

II Timothy 3:1-4 Are we not living in "terrifying" times????? Get yourselves ready for the retribution of Our Lord will be as severe as we have need for cleansing.

Published by: Dave Kessler
Zephyrhills, Florida 12/24/2009 09:45 AM EST

As a Democrate, I have never seen a party that is so corrupt, lie to the public, and pay for votes as this party has. I will do my part to get as many of them out of office that I can. It is no longer hard for me to say that the Democrtic Party is nothing but an Acorn in disguise.

Published by: Michael Okutoyi
Eldoret, Kenya. 12/23/2009 07:59 AM EST

"If I recall a murderess of her infants from eternity(hell) to come back and pay for her sin(abortion),walking on her knees for 1000 years on a stony surface will not be enough to atone for her misdeeds." These are the words of Jesus Christ to Julia the visionary in the book, JESUS CALLS US. My advise to catholic priests when absolving women who have confessed to having procured an abortion is to organize a private Holy Mass with these women in attendance. During these masses, the aborted infants should be baptized posthumously. This will involve the ex-mothers being requested to assign names to this unfortunate souls anguishing in the spiritual world known as Limbo.

Published by: Joan L. Roccasalvo
Bronx 12/22/2009 03:58 PM EST

This is the message I sent to Governor Heineman this morning, Dec. 22: Dear Governor Heineman, Nebraska has received much negative publicity because of Sen. Nelson's acceptance of a Medicaid exception. Please use your moral authority to address the nation concerning your rejection of Sen. Nelson's ploy to secure a benefit for Nebraskas for which we will all be burdened. Ask him to vote NO this week on the Health Bill. Sen. Nelson has greatly disappointed the pro-life movement. Thank you. Dr. Joan L. Roccasalvo

Published by: B.F.
Omaha, NE 12/22/2009 09:25 AM EST

As a Nebraskan, I feel betrayed by our Senator. Word around here is that he won't make it past the next election for another term in office. Nevertheless, on behalf of all faithful, God fearing men and women of Nebraska, I apologize to the rest of the country for not being able to persuade Senator Nelson into holding his ground.

Published by: Mark
Omaha, NE 12/22/2009 02:55 AM EST

On KFAB radio in Omaha Friday morning, Mr. Nelson acknowledged that he pays no attention to calls, letters and emails from the people he represents; says so many citizens wouldn't have contacted him in recent weeks without encouragement from activists (thus aren't valid opinions). It's quite obvious a good 70% of Nebraskans support Christian values and are pro-life, but what are they to do when their elected representative (Mr. Nelson) spits in their face and votes contrary to their obvious wishes? Mr. Nelson obviously accepted 30 pieces of silver so the health care bill could be passed. What a shame. And, what an embrassment to Nebraska.

Published by: Barbara Edsall
Frazier Park, CA, USA 12/21/2009 07:56 PM EST

The success and popularity of the "Tea Party" movement leads me to expect tax resistance over this brazen action by our rulers (no longer representatives).

Published by: stewart
USA 12/21/2009 06:49 PM EST

Abortion is settled law like it or not, to lose the health care legislation over abortion will not remove that law from the books, to be sure health care for America as envisioned by this administration, will be lost over this wedge issue if the news repoerts are correct tonight that as many of 6 votes are lost now. And as the Christians faced the lions and were found in contempt? Americans who have no quarrel with either the romans or the christains and the jews for that matter, will not have health care. Whose hands will that blood be upon? These are two different moral questions that I feel should not have been linked in such a manner, but it is too late now I suppose, it would appear health care for every one is now lost. And that is a tradgedy of Bibilcal historical dimension for 300 million souls indeed.

Published by: bjcass
Mooresville,NC 12/21/2009 05:38 PM EST

However the word wizards of the Democrat Party attempt to cover this infamous bill,the abortion funding ban under the Hyde regulation and reinforced with the Stupak Amendment in the House Bill has been seriously undermined and weakened.We will be paying for abortions.You can`t create imaginary "money buckets" with tax dollars as some suggest.This is just another deception with a bill that has been slammed down our throats by a collection of politicians who hold our faith and our convictions in contempt!The Medicare cuts alone will profoundly impact seniors who can anticipate that many of their needs will not be "cost effective" and will be denied.

Published by: jay jansen
bettendorf iowa usa 12/21/2009 02:14 PM EST

ben nelson is justy another political hack..sold out on the abortion for money.just like Judas..This manhas no integrity now..

Published by: Paul-Joseph Stines
Ponce de Leon, FL, USA 12/21/2009 09:42 AM EST

In the first century, our Christian fore-fathers, and fore-mothers, chose to face the lions in the Coliseum rather than to sprinkle a pinch of incense and whisper, "Caesar is Lord." By their refusal to do this, Christians broke the civil law and were guilty of treason. Now Caesar requires us to pay for abortion, without regard for our beliefs or protected religious rights. How many of us will now refuse Caesar and risk prison and bankruptcy rather than to deny our faith?

Published by: stewart
USA 12/21/2009 06:35 AM EST

It is wrtten to render under Ceasear that which is his, and so it goes the law is written with respect to abortion. It is refered to as settled law. It seems to me if you want the law changed then go out and set about to do that. But to confuse the issues of legislation, in this example healthcare for a nation? With a personal desire to affect change in a specific law? May be a target of political opportunity to express reservation, but is it just an unintended opportunity to derail the object of the legislation? In this example The People yearn for better health care, so many struggle with the human condition and do with out, and are financialy ruined but for the cost of basic health , why even the USG syas the cost of care will bankrupt the gvt if it continues to provide care to The People? So which is the greater consideration because here I am conflicted, should the two issues be linked or should they be separated?

Published by: Luis Alvarez, SFO
Omaha, NE 12/21/2009 02:09 AM EST

I and many people whom I associate with have contacted Mr. Nelson either by phone or email, in the recent past, to NOT VOTE for this bill, especially if it uses federal monies for abortions in any form. By his "yeah" vote, Mr. Nelson has essentially given his conscession speach at the next election. I hope he has a good job waiting for him. Grandpa Tom, instead of praying for his death, pray for his conversion. Brother Mark, I agree with you. Vivat Jesu

Published by: robert francis
taylor/michigan/usa 12/20/2009 07:55 PM EST

Where are our professed "Catholic" senators in the issue of abortion? Why do they refuse to stand up for the rights of the unborn? Apparently religious convictions of our faith just don't concern them.

Published by: Sarcastic
Wallingford CT 12/20/2009 07:50 PM EST

Perhaps now Nelson will qualify to have two (count them--two) cardinals at his funeral.

Published by: Hal Barton
Eureka, ca. usa 12/20/2009 04:02 PM EST

We would not have lost this vote for the murdered babies is this site and others had the courage to not bend to the Planned Parenthood euphemisms for abortion-murder, namely: "killing" (what we do to chickens) and "abortion" (a good life saving medical procedure), and called it what it is, thus restoring some dignity to the babies who were even denied the honer of a burial. These children get nothing - not even the retorical honer of being identified as dying the unjust death of cold-blooded pre-meditated murder. We help Planned Parenthood by our refusal to call it by the only name that would give honer to them and destroy the abortion monster - MURDER!

Published by: Michael like St.Michael The Archangel
Milwaukee, WI/U.S.A. 12/20/2009 01:35 PM EST

The Human person is created in the likeness and image of God. Abortion is an attack on God. Woe to thee U.S.A. you continue to Sin a great Sin against your Creator! My Our Heavenly Father bring the wrath of St. Michael the Archangel upon this Nation.

Published by: Johnny McElhinney
GLASGOW/SCOTLAND/UK 12/20/2009 01:26 PM EST

NO ONE IN THIS WORLD HAS THE RIGHT TO INTERFERE WITH GOD'S CREATION EXCEPT OUR FATHER IN ETERNAL LIFE HIMSELF. A CHILD IS A "GIFT FROM GOD,A MIRACLE OF LIFE" SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO "ME"

Published by: Grandpa Tom
Ogden/ Utah/USA 12/20/2009 12:22 PM EST

Psalm 109:7-15. When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few, and let another take his office. Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. . .Let there be none to extend mercy to him, nor let there be any to favor his fatherless children. Let their posterity be cut off, and in the generations following let their names be blotted out. . Let them be continually before the Lord, that He may cut the memory of them from the earth.

Published by: Carolyn
Orlando 12/20/2009 11:44 AM EST

I hate to say this, but this reform bill never should have gotten to the Senate. We should have known that the Ammendment would have been altered and disregarded in the Senate. I understand we need healthcare reform but not at the expense of the unborn, it should have never passed in the House.

Published by: psalm
Detroit/MI/USA 12/20/2009 11:30 AM EST

Let me do a little translation of some common pro-abortion rhetoric. "inherent right of women to regulate their reproductive system." In reality this means "A women has the right to kill her unborn child." To this I say...Oh really? I have yet to hear a convincing argument that killing unborn children is a moral good.

Published by: Lyn McVicar
Fedonia, New York, USA 12/20/2009 10:52 AM EST

How much did they pay you to vote "For?" It's disgusting how many of you care nothing about what your constituency wants. Well, we will vote eventually !!!

Published by: DLL
scituate Mass 12/20/2009 06:41 AM EST

BLIND JUSTICE IS NO JUSTICE AT ALL! TO BE IGNORANT ISN'T TO BE STUPID. IGNORANCE IS A CRAFTY POLITICAL GAME FOR ANYONE TO OBSCURE ALL TRUTH,TO GET EXACTLY WHAT ONE WANTS,TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHERS. ABORTION IS THE THE EROSION OF THE HUMAN CONDITION,AS WELL AS THE WILLTO BE DELIBERATELY IGNORANT AND DISOBEDIENT TO GOD. THIS IGNORANCE IS ALSO A TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE SOLIDARITY OF THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE.

Published by: Chris Anderson
Carson City, NV 12/20/2009 01:38 AM EST

"Every minute around the world, six women die trying to end an unwanted pregnancy"?? Let's see, 60 minutes an hour times 24 hours a day equals 1440 women every day, huh? Sounds like typical BS in support of the holy sacrament of abortion. And even if it were true, I find it difficult to pity these "poor women." Dying during the attempt to kill your own child, whether because of your fear or selfishness, doesn't particularly create a sense of empathy.

Published by: debra robinson
greensboro, nc 12/20/2009 12:03 AM EST

I'm sadden by the deal making to win votes. The blood of aborted children will distroy our nation

Published by: Arkyump
Pine Bluff, AR 12/19/2009 10:37 PM EST

I don't know why everyone is so surprised with this choice by Nelson. After all, he only held out for one thing and that is to get a "good deal" for him and his state. Abortion had nothing to do with it. After all he is a politician. Its just like the old snake and rabbit story, when the snake eats the rabbit after the rabbit saves the snakes life. The snake remarks."I am a snake." Nelson is a snake in the grass.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 12/19/2009 10:04 PM EST

Lemenation to my Lord because my tax dollars contributing to sins, funding the murder of voiceless defenseless babies. I want to cry out loud so my Lord can hear me.

Published by: John
Pittsburgh 12/19/2009 09:52 PM EST

In response to Sagefemme, Nelson's caving in on abortion isn't going to help a single one of the 6 alledged victims of their own abortion each minute. None of them occur in the USA. Also, what about that 100 babies per minute that are aborted each minute worldwide? There is no inherent right for a woman to kill her baby. If she wants to regulate her reproductive system, don't have sex unless your prepared to have a baby!

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe 12/19/2009 08:10 PM EST

Nelson is playing dumb it seems. We all sin and fall short, but this one is tough to take because it will effect so many for many years to come. Lord come quickly.

Published by: Bob
Queens, NY 12/19/2009 07:20 PM EST

God only knows what promises and/or threats were made behind closed doors, but each Senator and each Representative will have to stand before God some day to account for his/her vote. If the thought of final judgment doesn't scare them into decency, perhaps the thought of having to stand before their constituents might. Then again, too many Americans have sat back when their voices needed to be heard; if otherwise, the outcome of these deliberations and votes would have been different. And Satan laughs. God save the Republic!

Published by: Chas
Greensburg Pa 12/19/2009 07:18 PM EST

All of our senators are wrong on this issue. Sen. Casey and Sen. Nelson have left the issue of life in a very tenous state. They should be ashamed. Please write and express your outrage. All of Congress is putting the life of innocents at grave peril.

Published by: Mark Kelliher
Eagle River, Alaska 12/19/2009 07:08 PM EST

The time for the Catholic Church to act, is now. Make a public announcement that any Catholic Legislator that supports this bill will be banned from the receiving the sacraments and those who are members of the Knights of Columbus will be removed from that organization.

Published by: Sagefemme Collective
USA 12/19/2009 06:34 PM EST

Rate: Bad

Every minute around the world, six women die trying to end an unwanted pregnancy. Nelson is saving lives of women by supporting the health care bill which recognizes the inherent right of women to regulate their reproductive system.

Published by: dillard milligan
omaha neb. usa 12/19/2009 06:31 PM EST

what we need to do is have a recall and then we will be heard loud and clear i have ben dem four 49 yr and i will change my party soon

Published by: M. Kowalewski
Denver 12/19/2009 05:57 PM EST

Health care that provide contraception will also provide abortion. When contraception fails abortion follows. If the battle over contraception is lost, the battle over abortion is also lost. America is a culture of death, not a nation under God, but under the prince of darkness. Wake up AMERICA!

Published by: M. Kowalewski
Denver 12/19/2009 05:41 PM EST

America is a disgraceful nation. It is time to overthrow this illegitamate government. It is time for war.

Published by: Radomysl Twardowski
Bismarck, ND, USA 12/19/2009 05:20 PM EST

Obama, Reid and their fellow mafiosi warned him that he or his family might disappear. End of freedom.

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