Senate Defeats Motion OKing Vote on Bill Allowing Abortions at Military Hospitals
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 21, 2010
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The Senate has defeated a motion to stop a Republican-led filibuster against the bill that funds the Defense Department. The filibuster came in response to several issues including concerns about language that would essentially turn military base hospitals into abortion centers.
The Senate voted largely along party lines against the cloture motion to end the filibuster and allow debate and a vote on the bill. The vote was short of the 60 votes necessary to stop a filibuster and proceed to consideration of the legislation.
Democrats voted almost unaniously, 56-43,to allow debate on the bill, including Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska who maintains he is pro-life. Republicans unanimously voted in opposition to ending the filibuster, including pro-abrotion members who wanted the chance to offer amendments to the bill.
The Defense Department bill contains an amendment allowing abortions at all worldwide U.S. military base hospitals. Sponsored by pro-abortion Sen. Rolland Burris of Illinois, it would have the military break with current longstanding policy disallowing abortions.
Current law in effect since 1996 prohibits the performance of abortion by Department of Defense medical personnel or at DOD medical facilities. A separate provision prohibits the use of DOD funds for abortion except to save the life of the mother.
Abortion advocates have tried for years to force military bases hospitals to do abortions on female service members. In 2006, the House rejected by a vote of 237-191 amendment similar to the Burris amendment.
The Burris amendment is more expansive than a 2006 effort because it allows abortion on both domestic and overseas military base hospitals.
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi led the fight in the committee against the amendment and planned an amendment of his own on the Senate floor to strike the language. However, pro-life groups urged a filibuster against the bill because it appears pro-abortion Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid will not allow Wicker’s amendment to be considered.
The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 15-12 for the amendment with all Republicans and Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson voting against it and all other Democrats voting for it.
Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, told LifeNews.com he is pleased by the Senate vote.
"This is a victory for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. At least for now they will not be used to advance a radical social agenda," he said. "We applaud Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator John McCain and Senator Jim Inhofe for their successful efforts to stop this legislation which would … turn our military hospitals into abortion clinics."
In August, more than 200 physicians who have served U.S. soldiers signed a letter to members of the Senate protesting the Burris amendment. The 16,000-member Christian Medical Association organized the letter and urged lawmakers to vote no on the National Defense Authorization Act unless the Burris amendment is removed.
CMA Senior Vice President Gene Rudd, MD, who received the Gorgas Award for distinguished service in the American military, told LifeNews.com that allowing abortions on military bases is inappropriate.
"If enacted, requiring military physicians to perform abortions threatens military readiness. Morale will suffer among those already serving. Morale is a key component of military effectiveness," he said. "Furthermore, just as we have seen a marked decrease in young doctors entering OB/Gyn training for fear of being forced to do abortion, this requirement will discourage young doctors from joining the military."
The issue of abortions done at military base medical centers has been around for two decades.
When ex-President Clinton allowed abortions in military facilities from 1993 to 1996, all military physicians (as well as many nurses and supporting personnel) refused to perform or assist in elective abortions. In response, the Clinton administration attempted to hire civilians to do abortions.
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