Health Care

Catholic Lawmakers, Health Experts Split With Bishops And Support Health Reform Bill

Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 18, 2010, 4:20PM

Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI) and Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH)

A pair of anti-choice Representatives joining several Catholic health care experts and theologians to dismiss claims by some in the anti-abortion community that a vote for the Senate health care reform bill is a vote to invite government funding of abortion.

On the call, organized by the group Faith In Public Life, Reps. Charlie Wilson (D-OH) and Dale Kildee (D-MI) said that a vote for the bill would not run afoul of their anti-choice views. In fact, they and the experts said, the bill is likely to decrease the number of abortions performed in America and make insurance coverage for the procedure less common.

"I will be 81 years old in September," Kildee, who announced yesterday that he'll vote yes on the Senate bill, said. "Certainly at this point in my life I'm not going to change my mind and support abortion and I'm not going to risk my eternal salvation."

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Health Care

Pro-Life Kildee Will Vote Yes

Rachel Slajda | March 17, 2010, 3:56PM

Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI)

Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), a pro-lifer, has confirmed that he will vote yes on the Senate health care bill.

"I am convinced that the Senate language maintains the Hyde Amendment, which states that no federal money can be used for abortion," Kildee said in a statement. "The Senate bill includes a 'conscience clause' and allows states to ban plans that include abortion."

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