Thursday, November 19, 2009

To those who want to control a woman's right to choose

Because they have problems with women in general and sex specifically... some have had enough:
JOINT STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS ON STUPAK AMENDMENT

Catholics for Choice, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Network, the Religious Coalition on Reproductive Choice, and the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing represent more than ten thousand religious leaders and tens of thousands of people of faith who believe that abortion must be safe, legal, and accessible. We come together to condemn the passage of the Stupak amendment, which if passed by the Senate will effectively deny coverage for abortion services to women covered by the new federal health care plan. We are appalled that religious leaders intervened to impose their specific religious doctrine into health care reform, not recognizing that women must have the right to apply or reject the principles of their own faith in making the decision as to whether or not abortion is appropriate in their specific circumstances. Further, we decry those who sought to use abortion as a way to scuttle much needed health care reform. We call on the President and the United States Senate to ensure that the final bill that passes does not include any specific prohibition on the use of federal funds for reproductive health care services. We pray for a renewed commitment to relational and reproductive justice for all.
Natasha Chart of Open Left talks about a pregnancy that could have killed her. And how the doctor said she would do nothing. And then links to a list of things that can go wrong in a pregnancy.

3 comments:

Steve Bates said...

"... which if passed by the Senate will effectively deny coverage for abortion services to women covered by the new federal health care plan."

It's not as "benign" as that: it will eventually effectively deny coverage for ALL abortions, even medically indicated abortions, even if the coverage is by a private insurance plan, as indicated by a study released today by George Washington University.

I am grateful for the declaration by the religious leaders, but it appears they haven't heard the news yet. If this provision is not yanked in reconciliation, we've all been had... by the very people we worked to elect. If I had daughters, I'd consider moving to a saner country.

Steve Bates said...

Update: it appears Harry Reid, for once, is doing the right thing, offering alternative language similar to the more moderate language of Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) that was stripped out of the House bill. Get ready for the involuntary mother of all battles...

ellroon said...

It's staggering to think we've been forced to argue pro-choice positions during a Democratic majority.

But it's also been good to have the C-Street ConservoDems come out of the woodwork on this one so we have a clear view of who to vote against next election.

Whatever comes of this health care bill, fur is gonna fly.