In an interview today with the National Review, a dejected Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) said he is a “definite no” vote on health care reform after negotiations for a deal on abortion language fell apart. He also described what he said is one argument Democratic leaders are using on his pro-life colleagues.
“If you pass the Stupak amendment, more children will be born, and therefore it will cost us millions more. That’s one of the arguments I’ve been hearing,” Stupak said. “Money is their hang-up. Is this how we now value life in America? If money is the issue — come on, we can find room in the budget. This is life we’re talking about.”
Stupak said such arguments “are a pretty sad commentary on the state of the Democratic party.”
He also said that, while he is holding firm and voting against health care reform, some of his 12 fellow pro-lifers are caving.
“At this point, there is no doubt that they’ve been able to peel off one or two of my twelve,” he said. “I didn’t cave. The others are having both of their arms twisted, and we’re all getting pounded by our traditional Democratic supporters, like unions.”
But on House leadership moving forward without his suport, Stupak said: “They’re ignoring me.”
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