Pro-lifers decry Sebelius nomination as divisive

Washington D.C., Mar 2, 2009 / 11:27 am

Reactions against President Obama’s pick of Kathleen Sebelius to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services are coming in from pro-life organizations around the country. Many are noting that despite his promises to seek "common ground" on the life issue, Obama is turning a blind eye to the concerns of the pro-life community.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, reacted to the news by calling Sebelius’ nomination "further evidence of something gone terribly wrong for those seeking consensus on the abortion issue, especially the President.

"He speaks of finding 'common ground' on abortion, but then he makes a series of decisions that comprise the biggest overreach since the 1973 Supreme Court wiped every legal protection for unborn children off the books in the Roe v. Wade decision and the Doe v. Bolton companion decision."

"There appears to be complete cognitive dissonance in the mind of President Obama on the abortion issue. He seems incapable of comprehending his own words when it comes to abortion and 'common ground," charged Dannenfelser.

She also pointed to President Obama’s cancelation of the Mexico City Policy and his administration’s move to roll back regulations enacted protecting health care providers' right of conscience as other divisive actions.

"The Sebelius nomination is just the latest in a growing line of pro- abortion policy decisions that are not supported by the majority of Americans," she stated.

This is not the first time that Gov. Sebelius has been lambasted for her support for abortion, which she claims to agree with the Church on.

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League pointed out that the Kansas governor has had run-ins with the last three archbishops of Kansas City because of her votes on legislation regulating abortion.

Saying it is "very concerned" about the nomination of Sebelius, the Christian Medical Association (CMA), which represents 15,000 Christian health care workers, highlighted her legislative record on abortion.

"As a State Representative, Kathleen Sebelius voted to weaken or eliminate modest abortion-related measures such as parental notification, reflection periods and informed consent. As Governor, she has opposed or vetoed several abortion-accountability bills, including abortion clinic regulation legislation designed to protect the health and safety of women."

"Such a radically pro-abortion agenda undermines the administration's rhetoric of moderation and bipartisanship and more importantly, the values of most Americans who either strongly oppose abortion or favor reasonable restrictions on abortion," the CMA said.

Other objections to Gov. Sebelius’ nomination include her ties to the notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller, who claims to have performed 60,000 abortions.

In April 2007, Sebelius hosted a governor’s mansion dinner for the late-term abortionist, which he purchased as part of a fundraising event for the governor. Tiller has also raised funds for other politicians in the state.

Currently, Dr. Tiller is the subject of a Kansas Supreme Court case for allegedly violating the state’s laws on late-term abortions.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life, summarized the reaction of the pro-life community, saying, "Nominating someone with an extremist record on abortion who is also associated with the most notorious abortionist in America to be Secretary of Health and Human Services is offensive.  This is a politically divisive move.  The Senate should reject this polarizing nomination."

As HHS secretary, Sebelius would have jurisdiction over a large swath of responsibilities, including public health, food safety, the administration of the Medicare program for the elderly and the Medicaid program to provide health care for low-income households.