Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Will President Obama Continue the Acknowledged 'Tradition' of Keeping Federal Tax Dollars Away from Abortion?

Contact: Joy Yearout, Susan B. Anthony List, 703-380-6674

WASHINGTON, July 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the president of the Susan B. Anthony List urged President Obama to clarify his position on abortion coverage and health care reform at tonight's presidential press conference.

"This morning President Obama acknowledged the longstanding 'tradition' of excluding abortion coverage from government-funded health care programs," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "When we find long-standing traditions like limiting taxpayer funds for abortion, we know political common ground has been achieved. This is exactly the type of policy the President has sought to achieve, one that stands the test of time, agreed to by both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Yet both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation seek to undo this commonsense policy. Without language to explicitly exclude an abortion mandate, the legislation will result in Americans footing the bill for abortion on-demand in the largest expansion of government-backed abortion since Roe v. Wade."

In an interview with CBS' Katie Couric this morning, President Obama said, "What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. [. . .] As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."

"Just yesterday Representative Lynn Woolsey objected to an amendment to exclude abortion coverage, arguing that abortions are no more controversial than tonsillectomies," said Dannenfelser "Does President Obama agree with Ms. Woolsey that an abortion is no worse than having your tonsils removed? Does the President feel that Americans should be forced to finance the deaths of unborn children and the subsequent pain experienced by their mothers? Does he wish to undo a 32 year-old common ground policy that respects the wishes of American taxpayers?"

See video of Rep. Lynn Woolsey's (D-CA) comments comparing abortion to a tonsillectomy here.

"Families are at the very heart of the health care issue," said Dannenfelser. "And with pregnancy there are always two patients, mother and baby. We must establish a health care system that respects, protects and cherishes both. Americans deserve direct answers about where the President stands, and tonight he will have the opportunity to clarify his position with regard to the common ground policies supported by the growing majority of pro-life Americans."

Susan B. Anthony List activists have also sent over 340,000 letters urging Congress to keep taxpayer funds from supporting abortion on-demand in 2009.

The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 162,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:14 PM