Obama, Health Care, Abortion and the U.S. Catholic Bishops

Here's a quote from President Obama's speech. Maybe because the "gentleman" from SC was calling the President a liar, people didn't hear the President's clear words about abortion funding. Also, remember, the Hyde amendment is still the law of the land.

"There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false – the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally. And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up – under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place" (President Obama. Speech Sept 9, 2009).

If the health care bill allows tax dollars for abortion, the ads will play that segment over and over again. I can't believe the President and the Democrats would open themselves up for such an attack.

What follows below is from Commonweal Magazine, the respected Catholic journal.

Rick

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http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=4479

Health-care reform & abortion: reax to Obama’s speech

September 10, 2009, 2:41 pm Posted by Grant Gallicho

First up, the National Right to Life Committee: “The claim that a federal agency would be spending private funds on abortion, not federal funds, is absurd on its face, a political hoax,” [NRLC legislative director Douglas] Johnson said.

Next, Bill Donohue: "President Obama is playing a shell game. He defended the public option plan last night, and under that plan, the person in charge of deciding whether abortion coverage will be mandated is his Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius. This is the same woman who befriended George Tiller, the infamous abortionist who specialized in killing babies 80-percent born. Is there anyone who doubts what her decision will be?… Being wrong is one thing. Being deceitful is quite another."

Finally, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: "Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama’s September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.

“We agree that ‘no one should go broke because they get sick,’” said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. “That’s why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. 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. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President’s speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task.”

“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. “We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform.”

“We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out,” said Saile. “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. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops’ goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers.”

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Sounds like Donohue is out of line with the Bishops.