Missouri Right to Life commends the U.S. House of Representatives for its pro-life vote regarding the Stupak Amendment. “Congress has acknowledged, with this vote, that abortion is not healthcare,” said Pam Fichter, president of Missouri Right to Life. The U.S. House approved the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, 240-197.
The Stupak-Pitts Amendment protected life in the following way: (1) the amendment would permanently prohibit the new federal government insurance program, the “public option,” from paying for abortion, except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest; and (2) the amendment would permanently prohibit the use of the new federal premium subsidies (“affordability credits”) to purchase private insurance plans that cover abortion (except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest).
Missouri Right to Life publicly thanks the 6 of 9 members of the Missouri Congressional delegation for their pro-life vote.
Rep. Todd Akin (R), Congressional District 2
Rep. Ike Skelton (D), Congressional District 4
Rep. Sam Graves (R), Congressional District 6
Rep. Roy Blunt (R), Congressional District 7
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R), Congressional District 8
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R), Congressional District 9
All of the above congressmen also voted against the bill as amended which still contained life-threatening components.
Missouri Congressmen voting for federal funding of abortion were:
Rep. Lacy Clay (D), Congressional District 1
Rep. Russ Carnahan (D), Congressional District 3
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D), Congressional District 5
If your representative voted for the Stupak Amendment, please express your appreciation. And if your representative voted for federal funding of abortion, please express your disappointment.
“Missouri is a strongly pro-life state and Missourians are grateful today for a vote that reflects the views and values of our pro-life people,” said Fichter.
This is a great victory for the pro-life movement and was made possible only because so many of you remained vigilant and consistent in your efforts to educate and activate your pro-life friends, family, neighbors, classmates and church members. That same vigilance will be required if we are to see these anti-life threats turned back once and for all.
Much work remains to be done as the U.S. Senate continues work on versions of the bill which still include abortion funding, rationing of care for vulnerable Americans and other matters of serious concern to pro-life advocates.