Group: Huntsman Wrong for Not Signing Pro-Life Plegde

Politics   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jun 24, 2011   |   4:20PM   |   Washington, DC

The Susan B. Anthony List is calling out former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman for not signing its pro-life pledge that has candidates agreeing to appoint pro-life nominees for key positions and agreeing to support de-funding abortions and abortion businesses.

Despite Huntsman’s pro-life record and pro-life comments he’s made recently saying he won’t compromise on pro-life issues, SBA List informed LifeNews.com that he has not signed the pledge:

Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum all signed the pledge, but Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and newcomer John Huntsman have thus far refused to sign.

“Voters are hungry for leaders who make concrete commitments—not just those who tout a label,” said Marilyn Musgrave, former Congresswoman and Project Director for SBA List.  “Though his record in Utah is promising, Mr. Huntsman has not served in the highly partisan political environment that is Washington, D.C.  He has not appointed federal judges, hasn’t pushed for the passage of legislation ending taxpayer funding of abortion, nor has he appointed cabinet members relevant to the issue to uphold and enforce pro-life legislation, like Attorney General or Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“Right now, voters can only guess how he will lead in protecting women and unborn children from abortion.  They shouldn’t have to guess, and this pledge is their tool to hold candidates accountable.  He has one week to quell their doubts.”

According to the pledge, if elected President, candidates will:

  • Only nominate to the U.S. Supreme Court and federal bench judges who are committed to restraint and applying the original meaning of the Constitution, not legislating from the bench;
  • Select pro-life appointees for relevant Cabinet and Executive Branch positions, in particular the head of National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health & Human Services, and the Department of Justice;
  • Advance pro-life legislation to permanently end all taxpayer funding of abortion in all domestic and international spending programs, and defund Planned Parenthood and all other contractors and recipients of federal funds with affiliates that perform or fund abortions;
  • Advance and sign into law a Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act to protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain from abortion.