ACLJ Urges Congress to Stand Firm on Life in Healthcare Bill

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2010—Following a Christmas Eve vote by the Senate to pass the health care bill, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) urged pro-life members of the U.S. House to stand firm in protecting the sanctity of life as differences between the Senate and House health care bills are addressed.

"The Senate bill fails the American people in many ways including the scheme that gives a green light for federal funds to pay for elective abortions," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.  "The Christmas Eve vote underscores what's wrong with the legislative process and efforts to reform health care.  Under the cover of the holiday, when most Americans have their attention elsewhere, the Senate adopts a flawed measure that puts the federal government at the center of what should be private and personal health care decisions."

"As efforts begin to work out the differences between the Senate and House bills, we encourage pro-life members of the U.S. House - who ensured passage of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment - to once again stand up and protect the sanctity of human life.  The final bill must include real protections for the unborn, and it must offer the American people a plan that is sensible and affordable," said Sekulow.  "Without significant changes, Congress should reject this government-run, pro-abortion effort.  It's time to stop the political deal-making and posturing and listen to the American people."

The ACLJ has heard from nearly 200,000 Americans who oppose the federal funding of abortion in health care legislation.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org.  The ACLJ's online newsroom can be accessed at www.DeMossNews.com/aclj.

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