U.S. bishops’ officials welcome president’s apparent pro-life accommodation

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Washington D.C., Sep 12, 2009 / 03:41 pm (CNA).- Officials with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have welcomed President Barack Obama’s September 9 address on health care reform, singling out for praise his statements regarding help for the uninsured and the prevention of federal funds for abortion.

During his Wednesday address on health care reform, the president said he wanted to clear up a “misunderstanding.”

“Under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place,” he stated.

Two officials with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) responded to the speech in a Thursday press release.

"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care,” said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB.

He said that incorporating “essential and longstanding” federal laws on such issues will strengthen support for health care reform. Doerflinger also pledged that the USCCB will work with Congress and the administration to ensure the protections are “clearly reflected” in new legislation so that it does not require anyone to pay for abortion or to take part in one.

Speaking to CNA via e-mail on Thursday, Doerflinger said that current health care reform bills such as H.R. 3200 will “fund and mandate” abortion coverage. In his view, the president is preparing to introduce a new bill which will not fund abortions.

"We have to wait and see what is actually in the bill before judging whether we agree. We are willing to work with him and Congress to help make sure this commitment is reflected in the actual bill," Doerflinger added.

Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB, expressed agreement with the president’s comment “no one should go broke because they get sick.”

“That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all,” she added, according to the USCCB press release. “The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care.”

She said health care reform that respects “the life and dignity of all” is a “moral imperative” and an “urgent” national priority.

“We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," Saile continued. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants.”

She added that the USCCB believes it is possible to preserve freedom of conscience while restraining health care costs and applying them equitably.

In his Thursday CNA interview, Doerflinger reiterated that there is cause for pro-lifers’ concern about health care reform proposals and called for the forthcoming legislation to be scrutinized “very carefully.

Comments: 12

Subscriber comments:

Published by: rose
Pittsburgh 09/17/2009 10:06 AM EST

Hear the sounds of silence from Planned Parenthood and NARAL and know that there is a provision for abortion included in that bill somewhere, somehow. If there wasn't, they would be screaming at the top of their lungs. What I resent most is the condescension and patronizing attitude of those who think they are pulling the wool over our eyes. But I keep praying that the health and welfare of the innocent unborn will also be a consideration of those who claim to want peace and justice for all.

Published by: Dorothy Swingle
Zanesville, Ohio 09/15/2009 06:21 PM EST

How can the bishops believe HIM???? If the stood for the church he wood not be President??? They are sick.

Published by: Carol
Tillamook, Oregon 09/15/2009 11:34 AM EST

And you believe him ???????? A man who has voted for the most extreme abortions .. A man who wouldn't want his daughters to be burdened with child... You know they will get government funded abortions in there before the final vote.. along with losing the 'conscience' clause for all doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc... Lord have Mercy! Christ have Mercy!

Published by: Lynn
Newtown Square, Pa. 19073 09/14/2009 08:55 PM EST

As a Catholic I find it amazing that the Church is so willing to hand over God given free will to the government. If you all are so concerned about the health care of individuals, why not start a foundation? The Church can participate, President Obama and Senator Pelosi and members of the ever concerned Hollywood community, labor unions, etc. can fund a private foundation that can be run as they see fit. The Church can give as much or as little money as they want. The people who want government health insurance should put THEIR money where their mouth is. Keep godless government out of it.

Published by: Mark
Saint Paul MN 09/14/2009 12:58 PM EST

Remember this, bishops! Obama has stated he is for abortion, so beware of his actions!

Published by: Annely
NJ 09/13/2009 11:19 PM EST

I get so disheartened when I read another story regarding the U.S. bishops' stance on the health care legislation. Sadly, the bishops seem unable to envision what our country will be like in the future if Congress passes legislation with a public option. It seems the bishops are in full support of a bill such as H.R. 3200, as long as it has an abortion exclusion and conscience protection. These are their only objections? Do they not care how the bill would affect me, my family, and most other Americans who stand to lose their health plans as a result of, say, H.R. 3200? Do they not care about us since we're not "the poor"? How is this possible? They are OK with what will inevitably be a complete government takeover of the health care industry? Have they read the bill?! I am pro-life, and would like to see the truly needy get health insurance, but not with these bills before Congress. There are so many ways to improve the situation for the uninsured without having a public option. Why don't the bishops talk about them? I guess it's much easier to push for a big goverment program. It will be a terrible day for our country if we get socialized medicine, but even more tragic knowing our bishops were a part of it. I pray for them often. God bless.

Published by: David
San Antonio 09/13/2009 11:25 AM EST

"apparent" is the key word here. I beielve the Dems have every intent on using tax payer funds for abortions in some fashion. It will happen if their Bill is passed. You see, the liberal view of health "care" comes from an erroneous world view that presents our material world and material happiness as a primary objective/end in itself; that our life purpose is to create perfection here on earth. Of course this is incompatible with Christianity, at least with Catholic Christianity. We Catholics believe that the only end we should seek is to be in heaven with out Lord for eternity. Our time on earth is quite temporary and while we have a real obligation to love our neighbors and sincerely do our best to help and alleviate the suffering of others, suffering and societal imperfections cannot be eliminated and will not be eliminated until we get to heaven. The U.S. Bishops would be wise not rush to "approving" anything that comes from folks who have a blatantly incommpatible and erroneous view of reality. (By the way those on the right who subscribe to staunch atheist Ayn Rand's objectivist nonsense are not much different than those on the far left.)

Published by: Bill Donahue
Danville, IL 09/13/2009 08:50 AM EST

Basic health reform in two steps: First: Get rid of the pre-existing clause; help the uninsured get insurance through funding or an uninsured pool but ensuring affordability. Second, adopt a simple preamble: “Whereas all life is valuable and worth protecting, and Whereas, the lack of medical care due to financial circumstances is an affront to the value of life, and Whereas, this nation was conceived upon principles of human dignity and individual freedom based upon our innate human dignity, derived not from the consent of any government but from our Creator, and Whereas, it is not the place of the federal government to encourage or enable any practice that disrespects fundamental humans rights and dignity, Be it therefore resolved that this health reform law shall in no way be interpreted or construed to allow federal funding of abortion or euthanasia nor shall it be used in any way to sponsor, encourage or make accessible such options either publically or privately, nor shall the federal government in anyway interfere with the patient physician privilege nor direct any course of medical care.”

Published by: Paul C
Germantown, MD 09/13/2009 12:10 AM EST

"Peace In Our Time!" Kudos to Neville Chamberlains across the USCCB - just remove your clothes and head to the showers for de-licing....and cake and ice cream afterwards!

Published by: DLL
scituate Mass 09/12/2009 10:56 PM EST

President Obama has the opportunity to become a really great President if he acts in the Truth Of a Trust in God,to see that our country isn't delivered into policies of a sinful nature,such as abortion,euthanasia and other unstable poor choices that challenge traditional family values and marriage. He is the only President I can think of that was made great before he even took the oath of office! He has a lot to live up to! God help him! President Obama has the mission in his administration and that is to Earn the Trust of All the Governed.

Published by: Andre
Rockville MD USA 09/12/2009 09:18 PM EST

I prefer to proceed with caution here. Let us all wait and see if promise matches with performance. Andre.

Published by: Radomysl Twardowski
Bismarck, ND, USA 09/12/2009 06:07 PM EST

Again, promotion of the Democrat party agenda on the part of USCCB and a setup for disappointment when the final bill is in. "Universal health policy" is not a Catholic notion.

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