SBA List President Urges Reid to Adopt Pro-Life Stupak language

Contact: Joy Yearout, Susan B. Anthony List, 703-380-6674

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Yesterday CNS News published a constituent letter signed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).  In the letter, intended for citizens who voice objections to the inclusion of abortion in the Senate version of health care reform, Reid reaffirms his stated opposition to abortion: "I noted your specific comments related to health care reform and abortion. I oppose abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at risk."  Yet Reid does not assure readers he would support an authentic exclusion of government-funded abortion from health care reform, in the manner of the Stupak amendment that recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In response, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:

"Senator Reid is a man divided.  He needs to decide who he is.  Is Reid a pro-life Senator, true to his Nevada roots, who will work to protect innocent human life at every turn?  Or is he a hardened Washington politico, an inside the Beltway horse-trader willing to make personal compromises for short-term political gain? 

"Every day, public servants decide where they are willing to draw a line in the sand, what principles they are willing defend, no matter the cost.  Does Senator Reid really believe what he said in that letter?  If he truly believes all human life deserves protection, there is simply no room for compromise in health care reform. 

"Senator Reid should oppose government-funded abortion in health care reform by supporting the pro-life Stupak language.  His constituents deserve it, and America deserves it."

As part of its Votes Have Consequences project, the Susan B. Anthony List has funded $130,000 in television (video), radio ads and educational phone calls across Nevada calling on Senator Reid to defend Life in health care reform.  The Susan B. Anthony list plans to renew its ad buys in mid-December.

The Susan B. Anthony List also delivered a letter to Reid signed by 15 pro-life leaders earlier this year, urging the senator to cease calling himself "pro-life" as long has he supports the inclusion of abortion in health care reform.

The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 167,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.

www.sba-list.org