More than 180 House members sent a letter to House Democratic leaders on Wednesday (Feb. 25), calling for upcoming spending bills to maintain longstanding anti-abortion provisions.
“These measures … reflect the moral concerns of many Americans who do not wish to see their tax dollars used for any organization that provides abortion services,” said the letter.
The letter asks House Democratic leaders to maintain provisions such as the Hyde Amendment, in effect since 1976, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions except in limited cases. Often called “pro-life riders,” these provisions are usually included in spending bills by congressional committees.
“We believe a failure to include all of the current policies with regard to the right to life will mark a radical departure from a policy a majority of Americans support,” the letter said.
Most of the letter’s signees are Republicans, including House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio and Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va.
By Karin Hamilton
Religion News Service
Copyright 2009 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission.
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posted February 26, 2009 at 6:47 pm
The anti-choicers lost in the 2008 elections, screw them!
posted February 26, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Yes, Richard, yours is just the attitude upon which a successful democracy is built.
posted February 26, 2009 at 7:38 pm
New administration…same laws? Will see. Personally, I’m not against my tax dollars being spent for allowing safe and clean abortions, if that is want a woman wants/needs after counciling. Most women don’t go into that decision without much deep thought. Many places that offer abortions also offer medical care for women’s needs…birth control, breast exams etc. Wouldn’t want money kept away from those organizations just because they also perform terminations.
posted February 26, 2009 at 7:46 pm
The Pubs acted as if they were the only Americans for 6 years.
Karma chameleon, dude.
posted February 26, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Well despite John Boner’s opinion I think our women serving their country abroad should be able to get safe abortions in US facilities rather than having to go wherever they can where they are stationed. And that’s just for starters.
posted February 26, 2009 at 11:36 pm
There is no border more impenetrable than that which marks a party line. This does have the air of a political maneuver. Well, it had to be expected. However, I hope that there will be some folks who understand the wisdom of compromise and find ways to deflect, if not defeat the proposal.
posted March 1, 2009 at 9:18 am
If they lacked the wisdom to approve money for abortions, did they at least give some to the education of men and woman on the topic of sex. The lack of good sex education in the US has resulted in unwanted pregnancies, drug abuses, sexually transmitted diseases on the rise, and a lot of other social issues.
The countries who educate their populace have less abortions not more. And when money is spent for good quality care instead of back alley abortions every citizen benefits.
J
posted March 1, 2009 at 12:24 pm
This is nonsensical logic. I don’t want my tax dollars going to warfare, particularly Iraq, but they didn’t seem to care about my wishes back then.
This isn’t a simple “majority rule” country. Thank God.
posted March 1, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I got back on Beliefnet tonight after a news story…been awhile since I’ve been here. Followed the link to abortion because this is a topic that I am committed to. This article really scared me. The abortion cunundrum – how to find a middle ground that both sides can live with, just doesn’t seem to be able to happen. That has been an issue for my adult life…have lived for the past 8 years with the most repressive, anti- abortion culture in my memory! I really hope the Obama administration holds strong to protecting women’s rights.As others have already said, I didn’t want our tax money to be used for many things – war, the ‘war on drugs’, abstinence only programs that are proven to not work and anti-abortion policies around the world – but my taxes were. So now it swings the other way – and in my opinion, cant be soon enough! if one group has to be unhappy, I’m not sorry that it’s the other group…even if only for a while. I know feelings are really strong on both sides, However…Wouldn’t it be nice if we could find a middle ground… ever reach a win-win place in this divisive issue.