The Senate & Abortion

The fact is most Americans understand that using federal funds for abortion in health care is unacceptable.  And, now a new CNN poll bears that out - 61% of Americans want abortion funding banned in health care.  That's why the Stupak-Pitts Amendment cleared the House.  Now, with debate approaching in the Senate, there's growing concern that the pro-life language that's in the House bill will be stripped out of the Senate version.

As you know, we engaged this issue vigorously in the House and with your help succeeded in getting the pro-life Amendment passed.  We will engage this issue just as vigorously when the time comes in the Senate. 

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has said he will sponsor the pro-life amendment for the Senate health care bill saying his language will be very similar to that of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment in the House-passed bill.  And, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich), who has led the fight to keep the federal funding of abortions out of health care, has said he has the votes to stop health care if the pro-life language is removed by the Senate. 

As debate intensifies, there's troubling assertions being made by some in the legal community that the Stupak-Pitts Amendment is unconstitutional.  Walter Weber in our DC office has written a clear and compelling analysis on why the Stupak-Pitts Amendment is constitutional and challenges the twisted logic used by some.

You can read Walter's analysis and commentary here.  And, it is also posted on The Hill, a popular legislative and legal news/commentary source.  That posting is here.

With Senate action to begin soon on health care, I want to assure you we remain committed to working to protect the life of the unborn as health care reform unfolds.

As always, listen to Jay Sekulow Live! daily for the latest on this issue.