Planned Parenthood Continues Ignoring Debate Request on Abortion, Health Care
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 6, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards has plenty of time to write scathing editorial for pro-abortion blogs bashing pro-life advocates who criticize the pro-abortion health care bills. Yet, she apparently doesn’t have enough time to return a note requesting a debate on the subject.
When the Family Research Council released a new television advertisement warning that the Congressional health care bills include abortion funding and insurance mandates, Richards cried foul.
In emails, interviews, and opinion columns, she accused FRC of lying to the American people about the government-run health care plan.
Last week, in an attempt to clear the name of his group, FRC president Tony Perkins sent an invitation to Richards asking her to debate him on whether or not the plans will fund abortions.
Perkins tells LifeNews.com, "While her formal response has not yet been received, Ms. Richards did write a piece this week for the Huffington Post in which she accused us of misleading the public on abortion and of opposing ‘health care reform of any kind.’"
The editorial "underscores why an open and fair debate is needed" he said.
Perkins says Richards’ editorial blatantly ignores the Family Research Council’s position.
"FRC has long advocated a series of health care reform measures. We have been an early and consistent supporter of health care savings accounts. We have supported reform of the tax code to ensure that families, and not just employers, get the tax breaks that will allow them true ownership of their health plans," he explains.
"We have supported association health plans that would permit new entrants in the insurance market, and we have backed [pro-life] Rep. John Shadegg’s (R-Ariz.) bills over the years to allow individuals and families to shop for plans out-of-state in today’s over-regulated and overly mandated health care scheme," he continues.
Perkins continues, "What we haven’t supported, and never will, is the enormous feed that Planned Parenthood enjoys at the government trough, amounting to over a third of their income every year."
The FRC president notes that his position appears to have been indicated now that the Associated Press has flip-flopped and is finally reporting that the government-run health care bills in the House and Senate both fund abortions.
"The AP is right. Ms. Richards, the invitation is still in your court," he concludes.
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
