WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called on Congress and people in the Catholic community to make sure promises are kept that new health care legislation will not expand abortions in the United States.
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the call March 23, moments after president Barack Obama signed the Senate version of health care reform legislation approved by the House of Representatives by a slim margin, March 21. The statement was approved unanimously by the 32-member Administrative Committee of the USCCB.
“We applaud the effort to expand health care to all,” Cardinal George said.
He noted concerns about the legislation, including that “the statute forces all those who choose federally subsidized plans that cover abortion to pay for other people’s abortions with their own funds.”
Cardinal George pointed to President Obama’s executive order that said “it is necessary to establish an adequate enforcement mechanism to ensure that Federal funds are not used for abortion services.”
The need for such an order underscores deficiencies in the bill, Cardinal George said.
“We do not understand how an Executive order, no matter how well intentioned, can substitute for statutory provisions,” he said also.
President Obama and others claimed the bill does not expand abortion, Cardinal George noted.
“We and many others will accompany the government’s implementation of the health care reform and will work to ensure that Congress and the Administration live up to the claims that have contributed to its passage. We believe, finally, that new legislation to address its deficiencies will almost certainly be required,” he said.
(Read the complete statement.)
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The bishops saw provisions and loopholes that other- equally pro-life- Catholics sincerely didn’t think were there. Whoever turns out to be right, I think it’s been terrible for the Church. With differing groups attacking the others’ faith, sincerity, and “authority,” I’m guessing we didn't come off well to anyone looking from the outside in.
ReplyDeleteI believe you're correct, John and, indeed, we sometimes don't look good from the inside out either!
ReplyDeleteI find it fascinating that Cardinal George casts himself in the role of the enforcer to make sure the government follows the Executive order.
ReplyDeleteHe couldn't even follow the guidelines for the protection of children that he PERSONALLY presented to the pope.
Another perfect example of why we "don't look good" whether looking from the inside or the outside.
Keep praying
I am glad that maternal and child benefits are greatly expanded under the new law, and also that children can no longer be denied insurance on account of 'pre-existing conditions'. Such provisions offer women and their families the kind of material support that can make all the difference in embracing life.
ReplyDeleteThe bishops are not experts on legislative language. They would do well if they acknowledged that Stupak had good intention and that other Catholics who voted yes are still Catholics in good standing. That, IMO, should have been in the USCCB letter. The House has passed the Senate version of health reform, and an improved version will be achieved through reconciliation. The bishops can monitor what happens as time goes on. Their job now should be to accept what is and help to stop the anger and division over this. It's time to promote healing and unity among Catholics. Problem is, the bishops don't have much credibility these days for obvious reason.
ReplyDeleteI applaud the health care reform bill. Those who have good and reasonable rate plans perhaps have no idea what it is like to be denied coverage, to pay extremely high premiums or lose insurance when you need it the most. Health bills are the second reason for bankruptcy in America No plan will be perfect but lets be glad all Americans will have equal opportunity for good health care. At least I agree with the bishops on this one!
ReplyDeleteThere will always be abortions. Before Roe v Wade there were abortions. The difference is, when abortion is legal women don't generally die from them.
ReplyDeleteIf there were expanded medical coverage for abortions it would save lives because women would be able to get safe abortions instead of illegal and unsafe ones.
This isn't about whether abortion is good or bad. It's about whether women's lives are worth protecting.
Piskie: There will always be many wrong things done by many people - and for a variety of reasons. The number of the many and the variety of the reasons does not make things right or wrong - that truth is discovered in other ways.
ReplyDeleteThe debate here is less about whether abortion is right or wrong and more about how abortions are funded, particularly in the health care reform legislation.
I happen to be in favor of health care reform for all, including those waiting to be born. I also agree with the bishops that abortion is not health care. What I believe this is about is that all lives are worth protecting.