The pro-death agenda (rationing and abortion) in Obamacare cannot be justified, but the administration is hoping a grant program authorized in Sections 10211- 10214 might somehow magically erase that fact.
Unfortunately, Democrats for Life argue that providing a limited amount of support for pregnant women redeems Obamacare and those politicians who voted for it.
A surprise announcement Friday from the federal Health & Human services division(HHS) introduced a $25 million taxpayer-funded Pregnancy Assistance Fund to be funneled through universities, high schools, State Attorneys General offices and “community organizations.” The latter term –undefined–might easily include renovated ACORN groups or Planned Parenthood! UPDATE July 12: Non-profit pregnancy centers cry Foul.
It is anticipated that up to 25 grants in the amounts of $500,000 – $2,000,000 per year will be awarded. Obama-insiders like Planned Parenthood are undoubtedly well-prepared to apply for these grants, but it seems unlikely that our 72 Kansas non-profit pregnancy centers will be able to qualify on such short notice. By Aug. 2, applicants have to submit a completed 25-page form showing they have an evidence-based proven program AND include a signed letter from a “documented” and “authorized State representative”.
HHS head Kathleen Sebelius hailed the Pregnancy Assistance Fund as providing “needed assistance to support vulnerable teens and women who are pregnant and parenting.” But it would be inaccurate to characterize it as ‘abortion common ground’ since it doesn’t specifically address abortion–which is why Planned Parenthood is not opposing it and pro-life groups are largely skeptical.
Focus on the Family noted, “This money is mandated for services for pregnant teens and women - violence prevention, and vocational training.” Pro-lifers certainly realize that many abortion decisions have been forged in poverty and unhealthy relationships. And certainly,
on-campus baby-sitting, community support for single parents, and assistance for victims of sexual assault are worthwhile projects. But it is unacceptable to partner with abortion clinics, abortion advocates, and population-control ideologues to provide these positive programs.
And while it is reasonable that HHS would mandate that tax-funded monies be given to worthwhile programs that utilize existing state support systems, how “unbiased” are the bureaucrats reviewing these grant applications? These are the same voices that are as skeptical about evidence supporting abstinence programs as they are uninterested in the scientific studies showing how harmful abortion is. Other concerns with the Pregnancy Assistance Fund is whether the expected recipients will be:
- abortion clinics and medical groups that refer for abortion;
- domestic battery groups that lobby against pro-life, pro-woman health bills at the Statehouse;
- sexual assault programs that promote abortion as a solution to rape;
- clinics or support groups that push chemical contraception, not abstinence;
- educational institutions that hide the science about abortion harms.
When the government is the source of financial assistance to single moms and counseling for abused women, faith-based input is too often eliminated, or allowed only “with strings.” This is especially to be feared when the heads of such assistance — Sebelius and Obama– have such a poor track record on moral issues. Thus, the new Pregnancy Assistance Fund should be eyed warily.
