Battle in Congress (SBA)

I know you may still be recovering from the deep disappointment of the passage of pro-abortion healthcare reform. The pro-life Democrats’ decision to accept President Obama’s meaningless Executive Order was heartbreaking and the SBA List has vowed to see true pro-life leaders elected in those districts at the midterm elections. While we have refocused much of our energy on changing the balance this November, we absolutely cannot forget the fight that continues in Congress.

Laws save lives! Only a legislative solution can undo the damage the healthcare bill has created. Congressman Joe Pitts, co-author of the pro-life Stupak-Pitts amendment, has proposed such a solution. Congressman Pitts’ Protect Life Act (H.R. 5111), would prohibit, clearly and concretely, taxpayer funding of abortion in the healthcare bill and address problems with conscience protections. Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them to join Rep. Pitts and co-sponsor the Protect Life Act (H.R. 5111)!

Some may continue to tell you that Rep. Pitts’ Protect Life Act is unnecessary because there is no taxpayer funding of abortion in the healthcare bill. This is simply not true and the Executive Order signed by President Obama does nothing to stop your tax dollars and mine from going to fund abortion. Here’s why:

--The Executive Order does not have the full force of law and will not hold up in court. As stated by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops: “The statutory mandate construed by the courts would override any executive order or regulation.” A law passed by Congress will always trump an Executive Order and as it stands, the healthcare law allows for federal funding of abortion.

--The Executive Order does not change the accounting gimmick in the healthcare bill through which federal subsidies will be used to pay for plans that cover abortion.

--The healthcare care bill directly appropriates nearly $11 billion in taxpayer funds for co-ops and high risk insurance pool programs—which are unregulated by the Executive Order and allow for taxpayer funded abortion.

-The Executive Order does not address the fact that the Department of Health & Human Services could consider abortion a preventative service, therefore mandating that every individual and group health plan be required to cover it.


Only legislation enacted by Congress has the power to save innocent lives, which is why the Protect Life Act is essential. carol, you and I must continue to be vigilant and make our voices heard on Capitol Hill. Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them to support Rep. Pitts and sponsor the Protect Life Act (H.R. 5111)! An entire generation of unborn boys and girls are depending on us.

For Life,



Marjorie Dannenfelser
President, Susan B. Anthony List
www.sba-list.org