US bishops laud Stupak amendment’s passage; no comment on Pelosi plan

November 10, 2009

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, praised the House of Representatives for “reaffirm[ing] the longstanding and widely supported precedent that no federal funds will be used to pay for elective abortions” while refusing to endorse or condemn the legislation passed by the House.

“The Representatives honored President Obama’s commitment to the Congress and the nation that health care reform would not become a vehicle for expanding abortion funding or mandates,” wrote Cardinal George. The Conference will remain vigilant and involved throughout this entire process to assure that these essential provisions are maintained and included in the final legislation … We also thank the members of the House who took this courageous and principled step to oppose measures that would force Americans to pay for the destruction of unborn children, and the Democratic leadership for allowing the Representatives to vote on this amendment that protects the common good.”

“In the national discussion on how to provide the best kind of health care, we bishops do not claim or present ourselves as experts on health care policy,” he continued. “We are not prepared to assess every provision of legislation as complex as this proposal.”

Cardinal George added:

We remain deeply concerned about the debate that now moves to the Senate, especially as it will affect the poor and vulnerable, and those at the beginning and end of life. We will continue to insist that health care reform legislation must protect conscience rights. We support measures to make health care more affordable for low-income people and the uninsured. We remain deeply concerned that immigrants be treated fairly and not lose the health care coverage that they now have. We will continue to raise our voices in public and in prayer; we ask our people to join us in making the moral case for genuine health care reform that protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal George Lauds House Action to Ban Federal Funds for Abortion; Promises Vigilance as Senate Pursues Health Care Reform, Wary About Affect on Poor, Elderly (USCCB)
• House approves Stupak amendment in major pro-life victory (CWN, 11/09)