May 17, 2005 / 22:00 pm
U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) withdrew as the commencement speaker at this Saturday's St. Elizabeth College of Nursing ceremony because he learned that pro-life advocates had planned protests over his pro-abortion stance, reported the Utica Oberver-Dispatch.
In 2003, he voted in favor of banning partial-birth abortion, saying he was comfortable with the bill's provision to protect the life of the mother.
The hospital's chief operating officer, Matthew Babcock, would step in as the commencement speaker.
The protest was planned by Dorothy Roback, chairwoman of Oneida County Right to Life. When she heard Boehlert was going to speak, she called her organization's 200 members as well as the Diocese of Syracuse.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA