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By Mark Adams
Apparently responding to Catholic bishops who spoke out in 2004 about the obligations of Catholics in public life to oppose legal abortion, 55 Catholic Democratic members of Congress have released a "Statement of Principles." Though the letter attempts to declare the signatories strong support for the dignity of life the document refuses to call for outlawing abortion and instead declares that "we acknowledge and accept the tension that comes with being in disagreement with the Church in some areas."
The letter declares that "we are proud to be part of the living Catholic tradition -- a tradition that promotes the common good, expresses a consistent moral framework for life." Yet the letter implies that the defense of unborn human life is a religious issue and that supporting legislation against abortion would constitute a violation of the religious freedom of others. The letter states, "As legislators, we are charged with preserving the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom for all Americans. In doing so, we guarantee our right to live our own lives as Catholics, but also foster an America with a rich diversity of faiths."
Using a rhetorical strategy that has become increasingly common among pro-abortion politicians wishing to give a moderate appearance to their position, the letter refers to the "undesirability of abortion" and says "we do not celebrate its practice." But the letter implies that the key to ending abortion lies in increased funding for a variety of government programs and says nothing about overturning Roe v. Wade which essentially guarantees unfettered access to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. "Each of us is committed to reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies and creating an environment with policies that encourage pregnancies to be carried to term. We believe this includes promoting alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, and improving access to children's healthcare and child care, as well as policies that encourage paternal and maternal responsibility."
The letter also advances many of the arguments of the "seamless garment" theory which places a plethora of issues on the same plane of importance as abortion. "That commitment is fulfilled in different ways by legislators but includes: reducing the rising rates of poverty; increasing access to education for all; pressing for increased access to health care; and taking seriously the decision to go to war. Each of these issues challenges our obligations as Catholics to community and helping those in need."
The letter elicited the effusive praise of Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne who called it a "remarkable document." Catholic League president William Donohue was highly critical of the letter. "[T]here is not a word in the statement that commits these Catholics to work towards a change in the Democratic Party’s Platform on abortion. Thus, even the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion is not so undesirable that it must be opposed."
Culture of Life Foundation
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E-mail: clf@culture-of-life.org
Website: http://www.culture-of-life.org
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The Catholic League's William Donohue weighs in here, stating:
“Perhaps the most convincing evidence that this statement is a sham is the fact that Rep. Rosa DeLauro is the point person for this effort. There has never been an abortion she couldn’t justify, including the killing of an innocent child who is 80-percent born. Indeed, she previously served as the executive director of EMILY’s List, the richest pro-abortion organization in the country. So with her at the helm, the ‘Statement of Principle’ is nothing more than a ‘Statement of Politics.’ Thus, the Abortion Albatross remains securely in place.”Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, President of Human Life International (HLI), responded to the "Statement of Principles":
"On the Eve of Ash Wednesday the day that marks the beginning of the Lenten Season 'Catholic' House Democrats choose to play the role of Judas in a passion play that ends with the crucifixion of the unborn child."
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