July 2009 Archives

Barry, I know we won't agree on the abortion/health care issue - but it's worth noting that we have heard from more than 70,000 Americans (more than 60,000 online) who are demanding that Congress include an exclusion on abortion services to prevent them from becoming mandatory benefits in any health care legislation.  There are a number of pro-life amendments being considered now in the House and we will continue to support these measures as the debate continues.

With respect to parental rights, it's important for parents to be able to rely on their deeply held religious beliefs when it comes to the care and upbringing of their children.  Parental rights, however, must never be used as a guise for abuse or neglect.  If medical issues are involved, there must be a balance between parental rights and doing what is best for the child. 

Not surprisingly, we have such a different view about fetuses and their alleged "rights" that we haven't resolved the issue of coverage of "reproductive health" and abortion in the healthcare bill. You would grant constitutional rights to what the Religious Right calls the "preborn."

Let me ask what your view is on the "already born."  News accounts this morning chronicle the beginnings of a second-degree homicide trial for a father who allegedly allowed his young daughter to die from juvenile diabetes.  (The mother has already been convicted.)  His defense, in part, is that he didn't know his daughter had a serious illness and that he was praying for her recovery, whatever she had.  Do you believe that his presumably authentic and deep-rooted spiritual belief in divine intervention in curing illness should be a legal defense in a criminal trial?

Barry, I disagree that "any sensible health care reform" is going to have to cover, as you call it "reproductive health care," or as I would say, "abortion."  Americans do not want their federal dollars paying for abortions.  Let me set the facts straight. 

You cite polling numbers from the pro-abortion groups Guttmacher Institute and National Women's Law Center. I would note, however, that polling data from non-partisan sources show that Americans are increasingly opposed to abortion.  A recent Gallup poll shows that for the first time since 1995, more Americans call themselves "pro-life" than "pro-choice."   

Jay, any sensible health care reform plan is going to have to cover women's reproductive health care more completely and equitably than the current system.

We need to listen to those in the medical field as to what is the best health care package for every American, women obviously included, and follow that advice.

As of today, it seems medical experts believe abortion procedures should be included in a basic health care package. Nearly 90 percent of insurers currently cover abortion, according to a 2002 survey by the Guttmacher Institute. What you're proposing, Jay, seems to suggest that women give up a benefit they are already receiving under their private insurance policies. Again, this new health care policy is supposed to make health care more accessible, not less.

In an effort to revamp the nation's health care system, there's a troubling development underway in the legislative process  Congress is considering health care legislation that would identify abortion as a health 'benefit' and mandate coverage of abortion services in national health care plans. 

That's right - abortion would be considered a mandatory health benefit provided in all government and private insurance plans under a proposal being considered by Congress.

The truth is that abortion must never become a mandated 'health benefit' in our country.