UPDATED: NATIONWIDE BULLETIN INSERT 11-13-09

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington DC 20017-1194
202-541-3103, Fax 202-541-3166

U.S. House Keeps Abortion Funding Out of Health Care Reform

Tell Senators:
Follow the House’s Lead on Removing Abortion Funding
Protect Conscience Rights
Ensure Affordable Health Coverage
Allow Immigrants to Purchase Private Health Insurance

As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case for genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective abortion coverage.

It is critical that the Senate adopt the House-approved Stupak Amendment language on this issue. This Amendment ensures that Americans are not forced to pay for the destruction of unborn children as part of needed health care reform.

The Senate must address other essential moral priorities: protecting conscience rights; making health coverage more affordable and accessible for those in need; and ensuring that immigrants do not lose or will not be denied health care coverage needed for the good of their families and the health of society.

ACTION: Contact Senate and House Members through e-mail, phone calls or FAX letters.

To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action

Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.

Full contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at http://www.house.gov/http://www.senate.gov/

MESSAGE—SENATE:

“Please adopt the House-approved Stupak Amendment that upholds longstanding policies against abortion funding, and please protect conscience rights in health care reform.
Health care must be made more affordable and accessible to those in need, and immigrants must not lose or be denied health care coverage.”

MESSAGE—HOUSE:

“I am pleased that the House-passed health care reform bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion.
Please work to ensure that this essential provision is included in any final bill sent to the President.”

WHEN: The Senate schedule is uncertain. Act today! Thank you!

For more information on proposed legislation and the bishops’ position on authentic health care reform,
visit: www.usccb.org/healthcare