Joint Statement of Religious Leaders on Stupak Amendment.

Great to see but I know it doesn't have the teeth or rolodex of the USCCB. Until they impress representatives and senators with their ability to effect votes, this group of religious leaders for choice is not going to have enough influence to save women from the trend of rights denial. Time for a new strategy.

Catholics for Choice, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Network, the Religious Coalition on Reproductive Choice, and the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing represent more than ten thousand religious leaders and tens of thousands of people of faith who believe that abortion must be safe, legal, and accessible. We come together to condemn the passage of the Stupak amendment, which if passed by the Senate will effectively deny coverage for abortion services to women covered by the new federal health care plan. We are appalled that religious leaders intervened to impose their specific religious doctrine intohealth care reform, not recognizing that women must have the right to apply or reject the principles of their own faith in making the decision as to whether or not abortion is appropriate in their specific circumstances. Further, we decry those who sought to use abortion as a way to scuttle much needed health care reform. We call on the President and the United States Senateto ensure that the final bill that passes does not include any specific prohibition on the use of federal funds for reproductive health care services. We pray for a renewed commitment to relational and reproductive justice for all.

Signed:

The Rev. Dr. Ignacio Castuera
National Chaplain
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
213 840 7258
agne23@aol.com

Jon O'Brien
President
Catholics for Choice
202 986 6093
www.catholicsforchoice.org

The Reverend Debra W. Haffner
Executive Director
Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing
203 222 0055
www.religiousinstitute.org

The Reverend Carlton W. Veazey
President
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
202 628 7700
www.rcrc.org