Louisiana bishops: Denials that Senate health care bill funds abortion are mistaken

New Orleans, La., Mar 20, 2010 / 18:44 pm

Still more Catholic prelates have voiced opposition to the Senate version of the health care bill as the bishops of Louisiana tell their flocks that they “strongly support” the U.S. bishops’ conference’s position on the legislation. Claims that the bill will not provide funding for abortions are “mistaken” and “inaccurate” they say.

“It is our belief that the Senate bill fails to maintain longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate conscience protections. Therefore, the bishops of Louisiana are disappointed in both the inaccurate interpretations of some within the church, as well as the confusion that this has caused,” the state’s bishops said on Thursday.

“Our focus continues to be to advocate for health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all, while being both accessible and affordable. Please pray for those who represent us in Congress that they will re-examine the health care bill.”

Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory M. Aymond and his auxiliary Shelton J. Fabre were among the signatories to the letter. The other prelates were Bishops Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, Michael Jarrell of Lafayette, Robert W. Muench of Baton Rouge, Ronald P. Herzog of Alexandria, Glen John Provost of Lake Charles and Michael G. Duca of Shreveport.