Will abortion issue scuttle health care legislation?

12-05-2009, 07:35 AM

Frank K
Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 72

Reference: Reality Check, Dec 4, 2009: How the Bishops Lost Sight of Their Own Priorities

The US Conference of Bishops have been long time advocates of health care reform. On all issues for reform except one they have been supportive. On the issue of abortion, however, they are willing to scuttle the entire health care legislation unless the Stupak-Pitts Amendment on abortion is included.

Ben Nelson, an anti-abortion Democrat, is answering to the Bishops in proposing the Stupak-Pitts language in the senate version of the health care bill. "Nelson said that the amendment’s language was not finished, and that groups opposed to abortion — notably the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops — needed more time to review it."

So is that the latest hold-up? The Senate, through Ben Nelson, is waiting on the Catholic Bishops for approval? Should the Bishops have veto power over the language in the bill? Is this separtaion of church and state? What about women's rights instead? Did Nelson ask them?