ACTION ALERT
The "Freedom of Choice Act": Most Radical Abortion Legislation in U.S. History. So says the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. On January 17& 18, 2008 (some Parishes are participating on January 24 & 25), every Parish in the United States will be distributing post cards to be filled out and mailed to their US Senators and US Congressman/woman asking them not to support FOCA as it is referred to. We, as a "People of Life and a People for Life", have a moral obligation to see that our families, councils, and friends are aware of this Act and that proper action is taken to ultimately lead to the defeat of this pro-death legislation!
A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found that four out of five U.S. adults (82 percent) think abortion should either be illegal under all circumstances (11 percent) or would limit its legality. Thirty-eight (38) percent would limit abortion to the narrow circumstances of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother; and an additional 33 percent would limit abortion to either the first three or first six months. Only 9 percent said abortion should be legal for any reason at any time during pregnancy.
We should not wait for the post cards nor should the post cards be all we do. We must flood the US Senate and Congress with our phone calls, letters, emails, and personal contacts to inform them of our thoughts about FOCA.
Recommended Actions: Contact your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators by FAX letter, e-mail, or phone. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: (202) 224-3121; or call Members’ local offices. Full contact info can be found on Members of Congress’s web sites, at: www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
Message to all Members: “Please pledge now to oppose FOCA.” Those Members of Congress who have signed on as cosponsors of FOCA should be asked to remove their names from the bill. To check the list of current cosponsors, see: nchla.org/docdisplay.asp?ID=191.
"The proposed "Freedom of Choice Act" is not about freedom at all", says the chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, pointed out the faulty logic in the proposed act in a letter recently to all members of Congress. The act "would deprive the American people in all 50 states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry.
"FOCA [the Freedom of Choice Act] would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars. And FOCA would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government to reduce abortions in our country," the cardinal affirmed. Cardinal Rigali warned that the act is not a mere codification of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion. Instead, it would affect anti-abortion laws and policies that are in effect because they do not conflict with Roe v. Wade. These include such things as policies to protect women's safety, parental rights and informed consent.
"The operative language of FOCA is twofold," Cardinal Rigali explained. "First it creates a 'fundamental right' to abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy, including a right to abort a fully developed child in the final weeks for undefined 'health' reasons. No government body at any level would be able to 'deny or interfere with' this newly created federal right. "Second, it forbids government at all levels to 'discriminate' against the exercise of this right 'in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information.' For the first time, abortion on demand would be a national entitlement that government must condone and promote in all public programs affecting pregnant women."
The prelate included a legal analysis of FOCA's possible consequences with his letter to Congress. "Members of both parties have sought to reach a consensus on ways to reduce abortions in our society," wrote Cardinal Rigali. "However, there is one thing absolutely everyone should be able to agree on: We can't reduce abortions by promoting abortion. [...] No one who sponsors or supports legislation like FOCA can credibly claim to be part of a good-faith discussion on how to reduce abortions."
The media has reported that the new administration has made passage of FOCA one of its prime goals for change. Let us heed the words of Francis Cardinal George from his recent homily when he asked that we pray for the new President to recognize the folly in supporting such a goal. When the least of us is threatened, sooner or later it will effect us all; one way or another!
Thank you for your efforts in pursuing a Culture of Life. We pray the new year will bring success to restoring a true respect for Life.
