03.20.10 Citing “grave concerns” about the Senate version of the heath care bill now before Congress, Bishop Joseph Galante said today that the current legislation is “morally unacceptable” and must not become law. See Bishop’s statement, below:
STATEMENT OF
Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D.,
Bishop of Camden
The Catholic Church has long supported real health care reform that would address rising costs while expanding protection to millions of Americans who currently lack coverage. However, the Church must oppose the Senate version of the health care bill now before Congress because it radically expands government funding of abortion, which not only violates long-standing federal policy, but also offends millions of Americans who are deeply opposed to the destruction of human life. The legislation also would violate the conscience rights of pro-life healthcare providers, and fails to provide adequate coverage for immigrants.
Given these grave concerns, I urge the Catholic people in the region, and all people of good will who are concerned about the dignity of human life, to let members of Congress know that the current legislation, absent these protections, is morally unacceptable and must not become law.
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ACTION: Contact your Representative and Senators today by e-mail, phone or FAX.
•To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
• Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.
Contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.