Galen Carey, NAE Director of Government Affairs, sent a letter to Rep. Louise Slaughter, Chair of the House Rules Committee, and other members of the Rules Committee urging them to allow a vote on the Stupak amendment, which provides for the continuation of current government policy prohibiting federal funding of abortions, to H.R. 3962. 

The Honorable Louise Slaughter
House Rules Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Dear Chairwoman Slaughter,

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which represents more than 45,000 evangelical churches from over 40 different denominations, respectfully requests that you to allow a vote on the Stupak amendment to H.R. 3962. The Stupak amendment provides for the continuation of current government policy prohibiting federal funding of abortions.

The NAE has long called for health care reform but cannot support any proposal that would expand federal funding of abortions. Our standing resolution on this subject clearly states, “abortion is not health care.” It seems ironic that legislation intended to extend health care to the uninsured would further threaten some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Polls show that a substantial majority of Americans favor current U.S. policy that, under the Hyde amendment, prohibits federal funding of abortions. Moreover, President Obama has promised that health care reform legislation will not alter existing federal policy on abortion. We urge you to allow a vote on this important issue. The NAE will strongly oppose any legislation that does not maintain this protection for prenatal life.

Sincerely,

Galen Carey
Director of Government Affairs