Religious Right Puts Up Fight on Health Care Reform

By Jacqueline L. Salmon

The religious right has come out swinging today against the religious left, which has landed President Obama for a public call-in with religious leaders on health-care reform today at 5 p.m. Eastern time.

Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins said today that he will host media conference call to respond to Obama's conference call. He'll also unveil a second TV and radio ad -- part of FRC's $500,000 ad buy -- that criticizes provisions in the health-care overhaul that opponents say will lead to rationing.

And this morning, organizations opposed to abortion posted a video on YouTube featuring 16 anti-abortion leaders calling the health-care reform bill the biggest threat to the expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade. Those featured in the ad are attacking the coalition of progressive religious leaders, who are calling today's call-in "40 Minutes for Reform."

"Don't be fooled by double speak and rhetoric," says David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life, "No true pro-life or Christian group would support a bill that mandates abortion."

On today's call with Obama, Florida megachurch pastor the Rev. Joel C. Hunter, a member of the President's Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will open the call with a welcome and introductory remarks. Organizers also promise "personal stories of people stuck in the system," and a Q&A with senior White House staff. They haven't said, other than the president, who from the White House will be there.

Oddly, Hunter said in a statement today that "This isn't about backing any particular legislation, this is to identify people of faith to be advocates for reform and civil debate."
But isn't the fight about what's in the House bills? Opposition has focused on whether or not the bills allows for government funding of abortion, the nature of end-of-life counseling and whether they "ration care."

Clearly, the religious right is focusing its opposition mostly on particular provisions in the bill, while the religious left is taking a broader look at the issue of health reform. Part of that is because the left's coalition includes denominations and religious organizations that are anti-abortion as well as those that support abortion rights.

By Jacqueline L. Salmon  |  August 19, 2009; 12:11 PM ET  | Category:  God in Government Save & Share:                 
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