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Joint Statement of Religious Leaders on Stupak Amendment

Catholics for Choice, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Network, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing represent more than 10,000 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 into health 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 Senate to 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

The Reverend Debra W. Haffner, Executive Director

Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing

203 222 0055

www.religiousinstitute.org

Jon O’Brien, President

Catholics for Choice

202 986-6093

www.catholicsforchoice.org

The Reverend Dr. Carlton W. Veazey, President

Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice

202 628 7700

www.rcrc.org