An important part of the health care reform being considered in Washington is the effect any legislation may have on the taking of innocent human life through abortion.
Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, sent a letter to Congress saying, “The USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) looks forward to working with you to reform health care successfully in a manner that offers accessible, affordable and quality health care that protects and respects the life and dignity of all people from conception until natural death.” Abortion must not be included as part of a national health care benefit. No health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the destruction of human life, whether through government funding or mandatory coverage of abortion.” Bishop Murphy argued that any legislation should reflect longstanding policies “on abortion funding, mandates and conscience protections because they represent sound morality, wise policy and political reality.”
Underlining Bishop Murphy’s concern, 19 House Democrats sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating “we cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan.” The Diocese of Providence requests that we contact both our Senators and our Congressman with the following message: “A fair and just health care reform bill must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and uphold longstanding laws that restrict abortion funding and protect conscience rights.” It’s easy to do! Just call and politely leave the above message with the staff members who answer the phone. Make sure to give your name and address so they know you are a constituent!
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
(202) 224-2921 – Washington
(401) 453-5294 – Local office
Senator Jack Reed
(202) 224-4642 – Washington
(401) 943-3100 – Local office
Representative Patrick Kennedy
(202) 225-4911 – Washington
(401) 729-5600 – Local office
E-mails also can be sent to your legislators by visiting: nchla.org/action.asp
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Father Bob Hawkins has been writing Ponderings in the Parish Bulletin since his arrival at St. Luke's Parish in the summer of 2005. This Blog is a collection of those writings. Posted with technical assistance by St. Luke's Webmaster
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About St. Luke's Parish
St. Luke's Parish is an active Roman Catholic community located in Barrington, RI. Originally established as a Mission Parish in 1936, St. Luke’s has grown to include over 1,700 registered families. St. Luke’s School offers K-8 Christian education, teaching a way of life where faith permeates every discipline in the curriculum. St. Luke’s also operates a pre-school. Copyright 2006-2007, St. Luke's Church Corporation all rights reserved.
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