Washington D.C., May 11, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The House of Representatives Wednesday rejected a measure which would have allowed military women to obtain surgical abortions at U.S. military hospitals using private funds.
This is the tenth year that the House has rejected such an amendment to the defense authorization bill, reported United Press International. In 1996, Congress banned abortions — even if paid with an individual’s personal funds — at federally funded facilities, including military hospitals.
The amendment, tabled by New Jersey Democrat Robert Andrews, was defeated 237 to 191; 30 Democrats joined House Republicans to defeat the amendment.
Military women who are overseas and want abortions, have to take personal leave or vacation time to fly to the U.S. or another country where abortion is legal. However, military hospitals may provide the abortifacient RU-486 in cases of rape or when the woman's life is in danger.
Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, was pleased with the House vote. “The military shouldn’t be deployed against unborn babies,” he said in a press release.
There are nearly 200,000 women in the U.S. military; 12,000 are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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