Leading Pro-Life Bush Administration Official Sees Temporary Post Expire 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 30, 2007
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — A leading pro-life Bush administration official who handles population issues for the president has seen her temporary post expire. Ellen Sauerbrey received a recess appointment as the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration but it has expired and she’s likely not going to get it back.
In her diplomatic post, Sauerbrey has urged the United Nations to not use its documents to coerce nations into approving legalized abortion.
She also called on China to release Chen Guancheng, an attorney who was jailed on bogus charges after calling for the nation to end forced abortions.
As her temporary appointment wraps up today, pro-abortion lawmakers in the Senate are making sure President Bush can’t use another recess appointment to lengthen her term.
Bush renominated Sauerbrey to the post, but the Senate Foreign Relations Committee never took up the nomination for debate.
Several Senators placed holds on the nomination at the time and have since withdrawn them but Congress adjourned for the year without considering Sauerbrey.
White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore told the Baltimore Sun that the president is disappointed Senate leaders didn’t take up her nomination for a vote.
"We think it’s unfortunate that the Senate hasn’t been able to complete its important work on confirming people to serve in critical positions throughout the federal government," she said. "We think she’s obviously very qualified, and she’s done a good job in this position, and it’s unfortunate that the Senate hasn’t provided leadership on some of these nominations."
However, the newspaper indicates abortion advocates aren’t sorry to see her leave the position.
A coalition of pro-abortion groups, including the Center for Health and Gender Equity, Catholics for Choice, Population Connection and the International Women’s Health Coalition signed a letter condemning Sauerbrey.
"Mrs. Sauerbrey remains an opponent of reproductive health and family planning," they said, according to the Sun.
They condemned the diplomat for attending the World Congress of Families in May, which saw pro-life advocates gather from around the world.
President Bush could use a recess appointment to allow Sauerbrey to continue serving the nation, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is calling for area lawmakers to meet in pro forma sessions to prevent him from doing so.
