On Wednesday, October 14, AUL Action, the legislative action arm of Americans United for Life, will be releasing an online ad, “Don’t Be Fooled: Abortion is in Health Care Reform,” to raise awareness among the pro-life grassroots about taxpayer-funded abortion in the current health care reform proposals. The ad is a part of Americans United for Life Action’s Real Health Care Respects Life campaign, a project to educate citizens about the proposals in health care reform that are a threat to the sanctity of life.  The ad will be released on AUL Action’s health care reform Web site: RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com as part of a project to mobilize pro-life opposition nationwide to abortion in health care reform.

     AUL Action President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest, said, “The overwhelming majority of Americans oppose abortion funding in health care reform.  Yet, the abortion lobby and its allies on Capitol Hill continue to mislead the American public with false promises that abortion will not be in health care reform.  The reality doesn’t match the rhetoric.”

     Dr. Yoest adds, “This ad cuts through the deceptive rhetoric of pro-abortion politicians and shows how American taxpayers will be forced to pay for abortions against their conscience.  Including government-funded abortion coverage in health care proposals, breaks with current policy which limits taxpayer-funds for abortion.”

     Americans United for Life is the organization that successfully defended the Hyde Amendment before the U.S. Supreme Court in Harris v. McRae in 1980. The ad dispels the various claims by leading politicians who have denied that abortion is in the U.S. House and Senate health care reform proposals by providing hard-hitting examples of where abortion is stated in health care proposals.  The ad ends with calling on Americans to contact their Member of Congress to stop their tax dollars from going to abortion.

     AUL Action’s legal team’s in-depth analysis of life issues in the health care bills can be reviewed at AULA’s health care website: Real Health Care Respects Life.com.

    Please visit RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com on Wednesday, October 14^th for this groundbreaking new health care ad.

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal in Choose Life Illinois v. White, upholding a Seventh Circuit ruling that the Illinois system for approving specialty plates was not discriminatory. 

The case was filed in 2004 after citizens had collected more than the requisite number of signatures, but were denied a “Choose Life” license plate.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life, observed, “Ever-increasing numbers of pro-life Americans want to proudly display the ‘Choose Life’ message on their vehicles — as evidenced by the fact that 22 states now offer such plates.  Illinois is unfairly censoring the freedom of speech of its citizens by not allowing them to obtain a plate with a life-affirming message.”

Mailee Smith, AUL Staff Counsel, noted, “Pro-life citizens in Illinois followed the rules in applying for a ‘Choose Life’ license plate, but were prohibited from obtaining the plate because the Illinois Secretary of State did not like its pro-life message.  As the last defense for constitutional rights, the U.S. Supreme Court should have stepped in to correct the State’s clearly unconstitutional action.”

As in other states, the proceeds from the proposed “Choose Life” license plates would have gone to organizations such as pregnancy care centers that provide adoption counseling and referrals.

Americans United for Life filed an amicus brief in the Seventh Circuit on behalf of a large coalition of Illinois pregnancy care centers.  That brief is available at http://www.aul.org/xm_client/client_documents/briefs/ChooseLifeILvWhite.pdf.  However, that court refused to accept amicus briefs filed by pro-life organizations.

A new poll from the Pew Research Center shows that support for legalized abortion has dropped to its lowest level in years. In the past year, the number of Americans who said abortion should be legal in most or all cases dropped from 54 percent to 47 percent – and pollsters note the shift “could be connected to Obama’s election.”

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO of Americans United for Life, who met with the White House last month on the issue of abortion in health care, said of the dramatic shift, “The political implications of the shift illustrated by this poll are significant: including abortion in health care reform is a move out of touch with the American people.  Congress needs to remove the abortion mandate out of the current health care proposals.”

Despite Americans’ opposition to having their tax money pay for abortions, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Max Baucus’s health care bill requires the government to spend $6 billion establishing co-ops that could cover abortion. An amendment proposed last week by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) that would have explicitly prohibited federal funding and coverage of abortions was defeated by the Senate Finance Committee by a vote of 10-13.  The committee also voted down an amendment by Senator Hatch that would have prevented discrimination against any individual or entity that refused to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. 

Dr. Yoest added, “We continue to see a gap between rhetoric and reality on the Hill:  If members of Congress do not intend for the health care reform bills to fund and mandate abortion coverage, then why have they voted against all amendments that would have included explicit language excluding abortion funding and coverage?”

WASHINGTON — Today, in a vote of 10-13 in the Senate Finance Committee, the Hatch Amendment #C14 was defeated.  The amendment would have explicitly prohibited federal funding and coverage of abortions.  The Committee also voted down an amendment by Senator Hatch that would have prevented discrimination against any individual or entity who refused to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.  

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President of Americans United for Life recently met with the White House to discuss conscience protection and the lack of explicit language banning abortion funding and coverage in health care reform.

Dr. Yoest said that the defeat of these important amendments illustrate the gap between rhetoric and reality on the Hill over abortion in health care reform:

“President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid have all told the American people that abortion will not be in health care reform.  Nevertheless, the defeat of these amendments demonstrates the gap between rhetoric and reality. These rhetorical assurances are not adding up to action.  The pro-life community will continue a vigorous fight to keep abortion out of health care reform.”

Here are the defeated pro-life amendments voted down in the Senate Finance Committee:

Hatch Amendment #C14 Description:

No funds authorized or appropriated under this Mark may be used to pay for any abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion, except in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, or unless the pregnancy is the result of an act of  rape or incest.

Nothing in this amendment would preclude an insurance issuer from offering a separate, supplemental policy to cover additional abortions.  Such a supplemental policy would be funded solely by supplemental premiums paid for by individuals choosing to purchase the policy.

 SENATE VOTE

Republicans

CHUCK GRASSLEY – yes

ORRIN G. HATCH – yes

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE – no

JON KYL – yes

JIM BUNNING – yes

MIKE CRAPO – yes

PAT ROBERTS – yes

JOHN ENSIGN – yes

MIKE ENZI – yes

JOHN CORNYN – yes

 Democrats

 MAX BAUCUS – no

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER – no

KENT CONRAD – yes

JEFF BINGAMAN – no

JOHN F. KERRY – no

BLANCHE L. LINCOLN – no

RON WYDEN – no

CHARLES E. SCHUMER – no

DEBBIE STABENOW – no

MARIA CANTWELL – no

BILL NELSON – no

ROBERT MENENDEZ – no

THOMAS CARPER – no

Not Agreed to (10-13)

Hatch Amendment #C13: Non-discrimination on abortion and respect for right of conscience

Description:

Non-Discrimination on abortion and respect for rights of conscience

(a) NON DISCRIMINATION.-A Federal agency or program, and any State or

local government that receives Federal financial assistance under this Act ( or and amendment made by this Act), may not-

       1) subject any individual or institutional health care entity to

discrimination, or

       2) require any health plan created or regulated under this Act (or an amendment made by this Act), to subject any individual or institutional health care entity to discrimination, on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.

(b) DEFINITON.-In this section, the term “health care entity” includes an individual physician or other health care professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.

(c) ADMINISTRATION.-The Office for Civil Right of the Department of Heath and Human Services is designated to receive complaints of discrimination based on this section, and coordinate the investigation of such complaints.

SENATE VOTE

Republicans

CHUCK GRASSLEY – yes

ORRIN G. HATCH – yes

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE – no

JON KYL – yes

JIM BUNNING – yes

MIKE CRAPO – yes

PAT ROBERTS – yes

JOHN ENSIGN – yes

MIKE ENZI – yes

JOHN CORNYN – yes

Democrats

MAX BAUCUS – no

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER – no

KENT CONRAD – yes

JEFF BINGAMAN – no

JOHN F. KERRY – no

BLANCHE L. LINCOLN – no

RON WYDEN – no

CHARLES E. SCHUMER – no

DEBBIE STABENOW – no

MARIA CANTWELL – no

BILL NELSON – no

ROBERT MENENDEZ – no

THOMAS CARPER – no

 Not Agreed to (10-13)

Americans United for Life’s sister organization Americans United for Life Action will relay the pro-life community’s deep concerns about health care reform directly to the White House this Thursday, September 17, when AUL Action meets at the White House with Melody Barnes, President Obama’s Domestic Policy Advisor, Tina Tchen, who directs White House’s Office of Public Engagement and Joshua Dubois, director of the White House’s Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Americans United for Life Action President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest said, “We plan to take the message to the White House that real health care respects life. Abortion is not health care, but without an explicit, proactive exclusion of abortion, the courts will impose an abortion mandate just as they did with Medicaid. The abortion lobby is using health care reform to try to end-run around the Hyde Amendment which has been a thorn in their side. Their ultimate objective is to define abortion as basic health care which Americans do not support. We have a petition to the President protesting the abortion mandate on www.realhealthcarerespectslife.com that we intend to hand deliver at our meeting.”

The White House made the invitation in response to AULA’s open letter to President Obama, and Dr. Yoest’s agenda items for it include the concerns outlined in that letter: the current health care reform bills’ mandating government coverage and funding of abortion, their insufficient provisions for conscience protection, and the risk the bills carry of denial of care for the elderly and very ill.

          AULA Staff Counsel Mary Harned asks: “If pro-abortion members of Congress do not intend for the health care reform bills to fund and mandate abortion coverage, why did they vote against all amendments that would have included explicit language excluding abortion funding and coverage?

These Pro-life Amendments Explicitly Excluding Abortion in the Health Care Bills Were Defeated:

U.S. Senate

• (1) Senator Mike Enzi’s (R-WY) amendments that would have prevented taxpayer funding of abortion and would prevent abortion clinics from being eligible for federally qualified health center grants;
• (2) Senator Orin Hatch’s (R-UT) amendments that would have prevented tax-funded abortions unless the life of the mother is endangered or unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest (making the Hyde Amendment permanent);
• (3) Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) amendments that would have ensured no abortion mandates, prevented abortion clinics from being eligible for federally qualified health center grants, prevented the invalidation of state laws that regulate abortion, codified the Hyde/Weldon conscience protection law, and ensured that Americans have professional ethicists informing any Government-funded medical decisions; and
• (4) Senator Pat Roberts’ (R-KS) amendment which would have prevented the invalidation of state laws regulating abortion.

U.S. House of Representatives

In the Education and Labor Committee:

• • Amendment to prohibit the abortion coverage mandate (Rep. Souder) failed (19-29).
  • Amendment to prohibit the abortion funding mandate (Rep. Souder) failed (19-29).

 In the Ways and Means Committee:

• • Amendment to prohibit the abortion coverage mandate (Rep. Johnson) (failed 18-23).
  • Amendment to prohibit the abortion funding mandate (Rep. Cantor) (failed 19-22).

 House Energy and Commerce Committee:

• • Amendment to prohibit the abortion coverage mandate (Reps. Pitts, Stupak, and Blunt) (failed  29-30).
  • Amendment to prohibit the abortion funding mandate (Reps. Stupak and Pitts) (failed 27-31).

For further information, please visit AUL’s health care website:

www.RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com

Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) has released his proposal for “America’s Health Future Act.”  This bill has been said to address the pro-life community’s concerns about abortion funding and coverage and freedom of conscience. The proposal deals with the issue of abortion by incorporating similar language to the Capps amendment to H.R. 3200, which does not explicitly exclude abortion coverage and funding; in fact, the Capps Amendment mandates abortion funding. 

Americans United for Life’s President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest said, “This bill provides $6 billion for the establishment of health insurance cooperatives which would be permitted to cover abortion.  Under the Baucus bill, abortions permitted under the Hyde amendment (currently in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother) can be mandated in the minimum benefits package. If the Hyde Amendment is ever eliminated, the Baucus bill would mandate coverage for all abortions.  Real health care respects life and the pro-life community will never support any bill that does not explicitly say that abortion funding and coverage is not allowed. ”

Americans United for Life’s sister organization, Americans United for Life Action, is meeting with the White House tomorrow to discuss concerns regarding abortion funding and coverage, conscience protection and end of life issues in the current health care reform proposals. 

Mary Harned, Americans United for Life’s Staff Counsel cautions that there is still a long road ahead in the health care fight: “The mark-up of the Baucus bill will begin next Tuesday.  Even if language expressly excluding abortion funding and coverage is added to the bill, it will then need to be reconciled with the bill reported from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.  After that process, the bill will then: (1) go through an amendment process on the Senate Floor; (2) go to conference where it will be reconciled with whatever bill the House produces.”

 For further information, please visit AUL’s health care website: www.RealHealthCareRespectsLife.com

This morning, the fatal shooting of a pro-life demonstrator was reported in front of Owosso High School in Michigan.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life, released this statement:

“We are shocked by this morning’s tragic news that a pro-life demonstrator was gunned down in front of a Michigan high school. We call for a full investigation into the matter and expect that the person or persons who committed this terrible act will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Today, Americans United for Life, the nation’s oldest national pro-life organization, launched its “Back to the Hill” campaign to educate lawmakers and Americans on the current health care proposals’ threats to the lives of the elderly, ill, and unborn. 

AUL’s sister organization AUL Action (AULA) sent a letter today to Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protest recent disinformation on her Web site about abortion in health care.  AULA is also meeting with the White House on September 17 to discuss the problem of taxpayer-funded abortion in the proposed health care reform.

Americans United for Life will be paying close attention to President Obama’s address this evening before a joint session of Congress.   President Obama has stated that claims that abortion was in the health care proposals were a “fabrication,” and has claimed that he aims to reduce the “need” for abortions.   However, on the campaign trail in 2007, Obama assured a Planned Parenthood Action Fund conference that abortion would be “at the center and the heart” of his health care reform, and the current health care proposals reflect that priority. AUL’s legal team has detailed the elements in the proposals that would mandate taxpayer-funded abortion coverage.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of AUL, said, “Tonight, President Obama needs to address the abortion mandate in the health care reform proposals currently before Congress.  History has shown that where abortion is not explicitly excluded, courts will interpret legislative language to mandate it.” 

William Saunders, AUL Sr. Vice President of Legal Affairs, added, “An explicit and permanent prohibition on abortion coverage and funding is essential to prevent Congress, or an activist court, from mandating coverage and taxpayer funding of all elective abortions under the guise of health care.” 

AUL will be tweeting and liveblogging President Obama’s speech tonight. 

AUL’s Health Care Information Hub: Real Health Care Respects Life.com:

• Back to the Hill Guide: What to Expect Next
• FAQ about Health Care Reform
• Talking Points
• Video: Obama on Abortion in Health Care
• Health Care Bills in Congress
• End-of-Life Issues in Bills
• Federal Courts on Abortion in Current Bills
• Federal Courts on Abortion and Medicaid Coverage
• Status of the Hyde Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – Bryan Slater has joined Americans United for Life as Vice President of Operations.  Mr. Slater will be overseeing all administrative, operational and financial functions which includes personnel and development.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO said: “I am very pleased Bryan has joined our team.  He brings a background of extensive administrative experience and additional political background that will be a tremendous asset to AUL in this period of expansion.”

Mr. Slater said: “It is a great honor to be a part of AUL, a thriving organization with a reputation for excellence and unparalleled expertise as the legal arm of the pro-life community.  Working to coordinate AUL’s new DC office is a significant strategic move forward for AUL.  I am honored to be a part of this impressive organization as it expands its organizational infrastructure in a time critical to defending life.”

Before joining AUL, Mr. Slater served at the Department of Labor as the White House Liaison and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Small Business Administration. Previously, he served for three years as the Secretary of Administration in the Cabinet of former Governor of Virginia Jim Gilmore.  There, he managed 14 state agencies for a combined budget of over $500 million.   Prior to that, he managed two of Governor Gilmore’s campaigns — for the gubernatorial race and Gilmore’s prior Attorney General campaign.  He also was the Political Director at the RNC and the Executive Director of the Georgia Republican Party.

He is a graduate of Ferrum College and of the University of Richmond where he majored in Political Science.

Media Contact
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org
##

Washington, DC – This week, the Montana Supreme Court heard arguments in a case which could make Montana the first state to legalize assisted suicide – and even active euthanasia – by judicial fiat, without the involvement or consent of the state legislature or the people of Montana.

For nearly two years, Americans United for Life (AUL) has taken a primary role in defending Montana’s existing ban on assisted suicide against a challenge brought by national advocacy groups promoting assisted suicide.  AUL filed the lead amicus (“friend of the court”) brief in the case, representing 28 bipartisan Montana legislators and arguing that there is no right to assisted suicide under the Montana Constitution.

AUL also coordinated the efforts of more than a dozen groups and individuals who also filed amicus briefs supporting the ban.  AUL Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs William Saunders recently participated in moot court preparations of the Montana Attorney General for yesterday’s arguments.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life stated, “Suicide advocates disingenuously argue that no one is harmed in assisted suicide.  Not only does this claim ignore the fact that physicians are put in a position of killing their patients, but it also ignores the immeasurable damage caused to families of the victims and the inherent and considerable threats it poses to our most vulnerable citizens and to the medical community as a whole.”

In December 2008, a state district court ruled that, under the Montana Constitution, individuals have a right to suicide, and a right to assistance in committing suicide, striking down the state’s longstanding ban on assisted suicide.  Notably, the ruling did not place any restrictions on the practice, leaving room for the active euthanasia of patients by their physicians.

Mailee Smith, AUL Staff Counsel, noted, “Suicide advocates conveniently ignore compelling evidence, primarily from the Netherlands, proving that legalized assisted suicide inevitably leads to the active euthanasia of patients – even without their consent.  The lower court’s decision places no restrictions on the use of physician-assisted suicide and, if the Montana Supreme Court allows this frightening decision to stand, the active euthanasia of patients will follow.”

The Montana Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling before the end of the year.  AUL’s brief in the case is available at http://www.aul.org/xm_client/client_documents/2009-04-Baxter_v_MT.pdf.

Media Contact
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org
##

Washington, DC — An Illinois trial court enjoined the enforcement of a draconian rule intended to force individual pharmacists and pharmacies to fill prescriptions for so-called “emergency contraception” in direct violation of federal law, the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, and the conscience rights of targeted pharmacists and pharmacies.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, CEO & President of Americans United for Life, responded, “As our nation debates health care reform, it is critical that we reach the same conclusion as the Illinois court:  real health care reform respects conscience.  Protecting the conscience rights of all health care providers is critical to the continuing viability and safety of our health care system.”

Denise Burke, AUL Vice President of Legal Affairs added, “Protecting conscience helps to ensure that providers enter and remain in the health care professions, helping to meet the rising demand for quality care.  On the other hand, failing to protect conscience will most certainly compromise basic health care for the entire nation.”

The case, Morr-Fitz v. Quinn, involves a constitutional challenge to a 2005 Executive Order signed by then-Governor Rod Blagojevich mandating that all prescriptions for Plan B or so-called “emergency contraception” be filled “without delay” and, consequentially, without regard to the conscience objections of individual pharmacists or pharmacies.  In December 2008, the Illinois Supreme Court reinstated the case, overturning the decisions of two lower courts to dismiss it, and returned the case to the circuit court in Springfield which entered an injunction against the enforcement of the Order on August 21, 2009.

AUL provided legal support to the plaintiff-pharmacists and pharmacies from the initiation of this case, most recently filing an amicus brief before the Illinois Supreme Court on behalf of American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, the Catholic Medical Association, and other medical groups. The brief argued that the Plaintiffs’ rights of conscience — specifically their rights to decline to dispense prescriptions in violation of their consciences — are guaranteed under both federal and Illinois law.

AUL’s brief is available at http://www.aul.org/xm_client/client_documents/briefs/Morr-FitzvBlagILontheMerits.pdf

Media Contact
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org
##

Washington, DC — This week a federal district court in South Dakota affirmed that a woman has a right to know that an abortion “terminates the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.”

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of Americans United for Life, stated, “This is a victory for women and their right to complete and accurate medical information when considering abortion.  Fully informed consent is a bedrock principle of medical care and this principle is especially applicable to abortion.  As the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized, an uninformed decision about abortion can lead to devastating consequences.”

Denise Burke, AUL Vice President of Legal Affairs added, “That Planned Parenthood even challenged this law speaks volumes about their radical and self-serving agenda.  Clearly, they do not want women to have all the information about abortion because they know that the more women know about abortion, the more they choose life.”

The case, Planned Parenthood v. Rounds, involves a challenge to a 2005 South Dakota law that supplemented the state’s long-standing informed consent law.  The court struck down requirements that a woman be informed that abortion increases the likelihood of suicide and that she has an “existing relationship” with the unborn child.  Parties to the suit have indicated that they will appeal.

Media Contact
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org
##

Washington D.C. — The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has dissolved an injunction against the enforcement of an Ohio law strictly regulating the provision of the dangerous abortion drug, RU-486.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, CEO and President of Americans United for Life, stated, “This is a victory for women’s health. Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers have readily admitted that they administer RU-486 in violation of the FDA-approved protocol for the drug. In response, Ohio rightly sought to protect women from such dangerous practices and the Sixth Circuit has ratified that decision.”

In July, the Ohio Supreme Court clarified that the 2004 law mandates that abortionists comply with the FDA-approved protocol when administering RU-486 and follow the instructions contained in the drug’s label. In light of that clarification, the Sixth Circuit vacated the injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the law and remanded the case to the federal district court.

Mailee Smith, AUL Staff Counsel, stated, “The drug manufacturer has publicly admitted that 29 women around the world have died after using RU-486. Eight of those women were American. That Planned Parenthood would even argue that it should be permitted to administer RU-486 in an untested and unapproved manner is appalling.”

AUL filed an amicus brief in the Sixth Circuit on behalf of Senator (Dr.) Tom A. Coburn, M.D. (OK), and Representatives Roscoe Bartlett (MD), John Boehner (OH), Steve Chabot (OH), Trent Franks (AZ), Jim Jordan (OH), Patrick McHenry (NC), Joseph Pitts (PA), Jean Schmidt (OH), Chris Smith (NJ), and Mark Souder (IN). It is available at
https://secure3.convio.net/xm_client/client_documents/briefs/AUL-PP_v_Strickland.pdf.
AUL also filed an amicus brief before the Ohio Supreme Court, which is available at
https://secure3.convio.net/xm_client/client_documents/briefs/Rogers_v_PlannedParenthood.pdf.

About Americans United for Life
Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law. The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971. The Wall Street Journal has profiled AUL, and PBS’ Frontline program chronicled AUL’s successful efforts in Mississippi.

Media Contact
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org
##

Washington, DC — Americans United for Life, the oldest national pro-life organization, denounced the Ryan-DeLauro bill’s unprecedented mandate that states cover abortion in state medical assistance programs.

Tucked into the Ryan-DeLauro bill (HR 3312) is a little-noticed provision that mandates that states provide abortion in state medical assistance programs. The paragraph in Title VII, section 701 of the bill says that these state programs must cover “family planning” services. Since the 1970s, several federal appeals courts have read “family planning” in the Medicaid statute to include elective abortion, unless the bill contains an express exclusion of abortion, such as the Hyde Amendment. Because the Ryan-DeLauro bill contains no such exclusion, it mandates abortion coverage in state medical assistance programs.

“Planned Parenthood and NARAL wouldn’t back a so-called ‘common ground’ bill unless it included abortion services,” said AUL President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest. “Efforts to paint this bill as ‘pro-life’ are deceptive.”

Up to now, states have had the option to provide different “benefit packages” to certain populations, and the coverage could be modeled on “benchmark” or “benchmark equivalent” plans. The Ryan-DeLauro Bill would mandate, for the first time, that states include abortion within the “benchmark” or “benchmark equivalent” plans. This would be a radical extension of federally mandated taxpayer funding of abortion and an unprecedented mandate that states cover abortion in state medical assistance programs.

AUL Senior Counsel Clarke Forsythe said, “The bill takes away the flexibility that the states have had in designing their plans, by mandating that ‘family planning’ — which federal courts read to include elective abortion — be included. Under Ryan-DeLauro, states can no longer opt out from paying for elective abortion.”

For detailed background on the Ryan-DeLauro bill from AUL’s legal experts, as well as information on how current health care reform efforts in Congress threaten the right to life and rights of conscience, visit KeepAbortionOutOfHealthCare.com.

Media Contact:

Heather Smith

202-270-9962

heather.smith@aul.org

The U.S. Senate voted 68-31 to approve the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the lifetime appointment on the highest US court.

Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of American United for Life issued this statement today in response to this confirmation:

Americans United for Life applauds the 31 senators opposing Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation. It’s a stunning vote of “no confidence” in a nominee whose background of abortion advocacy and record of judicial interventionism raise serious questions about her fitness for the high court. The number of senators opposing Sotomayor also sends the message that the next time there’s a vacancy on the Supreme Court, Americans will expect a nominee whose judicial philosophy upholds the Constitution – not his or her own political ideology.

AUL’s legal experts have also been supplying information on the troubling judicial philosophy of Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor to Capitol Hill and the American public, in advance of this week’s vote by the full Senate on her confirmation. Their latest informational release, “What Judge Sotomayor Said — and Should Have Said” demonstrates how Sotomayor’s answers before the Senate Judiciary Committee revealed flaws in her understanding and judgment.

AUL’s expertise was recognized by Congress before the American public when President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest was invited to testify before the Judiciary Committee on the Sotomayor nomination. You can view and read her testimony at the Sotomayor hearings at AUL.org.

Media Contact:
Heather Smith
202-270-9962
heather.smith@aul.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — Former Chief Counsel on the Judiciary Committee staff of Senator Tom Coburn, Mary Harned has joined Americans United for Life (AUL) as Of Counsel to assist in spearheading America’s oldest national pro-life organization through its efforts to counter the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Sotomayor.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO said: “I am very pleased to have Mary join our team.  We are extremely fortunate to gain the benefit of Mary’s track record on Capitol Hill.  She will be a valuable resource for us as we continue our active involvement providing legal expertise in advance of the Senate’s confirmation hearings.”

Ms. Harned said: “I am honored to join AUL in this crucial time of a judicial confirmation.  I look forward to helping AUL bring attention to Judge Sotomayor’s record of radicalism on the abortion issue and her outspoken defense of judicial intervention.  It has been a long-time dream of mine to work with AUL to defend and protect life.”

A cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, Ms. Harned comes to AUL after serving as Chief Counsel to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) on his Judiciary Committee staff.  She was his legal counsel during the Roberts and Alito confirmation hearings.  Prior to that, she served as Legislative Counsel and Judiciary Counsel to Alabama U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee.  She lives with her husband and son on Capitol Hill.

Americans United for Life (AUL) criticized President Obama’s recent decision to disband the President’s Council on Bioethics and replace it with a new bioethics commission having a mandate to offer “practical policy options.”

The President’s Council on Bioethics was created in November 2001 by President Bush after his decision to allow human embryonic stem-cell research for the first time while limiting the research to existing cell lines.

“Why try to fix something that wasn’t broken?” said AUL’s President & CEO Charmaine Yoest.

Daniel McConchie, AUL Vice President of Government Affairs said, “This was the most balanced bioethics council in history with two leaders, Leon Kass and Edmund Pellegrino, who went out of their way to ensure the council was reflective of all the major perspectives on the issues,” he said. “We have to ask why the President has disbanded this effective and well-regarded council. Is this a move toward a council that is more of a rubber stamp of his administration’s priorities, rather than a group that actively debates current issues with all perspectives having a seat at the table?”

AUL Senior Counsel Clarke Forsythe said it was “a shame” that the council was dismissed. “The council leaves a rich legacy of reflection on the ethical and legal aspects of the most important questions of biomedicine and biotechnology facing the country. But despite the council’s balance — or perhaps because of it — many liberals and libertarians never appreciated the important books and reports published by the Council. When it conducted wide-ranging discussions of important bioethical issues, they dismissed it as a ‘debating society.’ And when, after such discussions, they issued policy recommendations, they dismissed it as ‘political.’”

If such a thoughtful and balanced bioethics council is to be disbanded, Forsythe said, the likelihood is that the President doesn’t want such thoughtful deliberation on bioethics or intends “to create a new council with only one, utilitarian ideology that will simply provide reasons to approve embryonic research, human cloning, et cetera.”

RELATED: Joe Carter comments at First Things on what he believes the Obama administration means by planning a new commission that will offer “practical policy options”:

In other words, the Obama administration already knows where it stands on all those pesky moral issues like human cloning, chimeras, and euthanasia, and just needs a group to provide advice on how to implement its preferred policies. Whereas the previous councils wrestled with such questions as “What is the nature of human dignity?” the new one will most likely be addressing more practical policy options, such as “How much should we pay women to harvest their eggs for cloning?”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, Illinois — Americans United for Life (AUL) is pleased to announce the publication of AUL Senior Counsel Clarke Forsythe’s book, Politics for the Greatest Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square, released by InterVarsity Press this month.

Politics for the Greatest Good seeks to instill confidence in legislators, policy groups, and voters that a prudential approach to public policy—striving for the greatest good possible when the ideal cannot be immediately achieved—is both moral and effective.  This approach leads to a renewed long-term strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade, which is outlined in the book.

“It’s all too easy to lose sight of the fact that the aim of politics is not the perfect good but the greatest good possible,” Forsythe argues.  “When the ideal in politics and public policy is not achievable, it’s both moral and effective to seek what’s possible and to limit a social evil when it cannot be prohibited.”

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO said, “Politics for the Greatest Good is a critical book for the pro-life movement at this time in history.  This important focus on the achievable in political strategy will encourage perseverance for the cause of life in the often challenging realm of politics.”

Political prudence challenges voters and elected officials with four questions: Are we pursuing good goals?  Are we using wise judgment about what is possible in the circumstances?  Are we effectively connecting means and ends?  Are we preserving the possibility of future progress when the ideal cannot be immediately achieved? 

Forsythe continued, “I’m honored by the endorsements of the late Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, Princeton Prof. Robert P. George, and Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput among others.  I hope the book will help bridge the divide between the idealists and the realists and refocus the debate on solving the obstacles to a culture of life in America.”

Politics for the Greatest Good is now available at bookstores and Amazon.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — Heather Smith has joined Americans United for Life (AUL) as Director of Communications.  Her focus will be to oversee corporate communications including traditional media, internet, and new media.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO commented: “I am very pleased Heather is joining our team.  As a veteran producer of radio, television, and film, she brings a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective to our communications efforts.”

Miss Smith said: “It is a great honor to join the foremost pro-life organization in the country.  I look forward to expanding AUL’s media outreach and working with the AUL legal team toward our goal of seeing a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.”

She has produced three top-10 nationally syndicated radio programs: The G. Gordon Liddy Show, The Laura Ingraham Show, and most recently, The Lars Larson Show.  She has also worked at FOX News Channel, where she produced Weekend Live with Tony Snow and FOX News Live, and booked guests for FOX’s breaking news special programming.   In addition, she has produced film documentaries hosted by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and by Dick Morris.  Previously she booked interviews for WFLA-AM’s The Shannon Burke Show and worked on several documentaries for PBS and History Channel. 

Miss Smith has been in front of the microphone as well, having begun her media career in 1997 as an alternative rock disc jockey and radio talk show host.  She has also been interviewed on FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and nationally syndicated talk radio programs about grassroots-activism campaigns she oversaw in Florida.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — Dawn Eden has joined Americans United for Life (AUL) as Senior Fellow, Publications and New Media Outreach.  Her focus will be on writing and research to promote AUL’s legal expertise through both traditional media and “new media” outlets.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO commented: “I am very pleased Dawn is joining our team.  As a best-selling author and award-winning journalist, she brings a strong set of skills to the AUL team.  With her dedication to the pro-life cause, Dawn will be a key part of our efforts to protect human life.”

Miss Eden said: “It is my honor to join the team at AUL, America’s oldest national pro-life organization. AUL is known for its unparalleled expertise across the spectrum of life issues and for its demonstrated success in motivating the grassroots.  My goal as Senior Fellow is to expand the organization’s publications and media presence in ways that will increase the public’s recognition and support of not only AUL, but the entire pro-life movement.”

Miss Eden is author of The Thrill of the Chaste (2006), a guide for young adults on being counterculturally virtuous.  Now in its eighth printing, the book has been translated into Spanish, Polish, and Chinese.

A graduate of New York University, Miss Eden began her career as a music journalist in New York City.  In 2004, she was awarded the Associated Press’ top award for her work as a copy editor and headline writer for the New York Post. 

In February 2002, she became a pro-life blogger (The Dawn Patrol), and has since contributed articles on politics and culture to the Wall Street Journal and National Review Online.  In addition, she has been featured on NBC’s “Today” and on EWTN, and has spoken throughout North America, England, Ireland, Poland, and Australia.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – Americans United for Life President and CEO, Dr. Charmaine Yoest, issued the following statement to address the murder of Dr. George Tiller: 


“We condemn this lawless act of violence. The foundational right to life that our work is dedicated to extends to everyone.  Whoever is responsible for this reprehensible violence must be brought to justice under the law.”

We’ve been working hard in the lead-up to the Supreme Court nomination to prepare . . . and today was the day. As you know, the President nominated Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor. 

We’ve spent the day responding to requests for a response from a pro-life perspective — running from the Associated Press to the BBC to FOX Radio and more.

The Washington Post gave AUL credit for leading the way in researching Sotomayor’s record and being one of the first pro-life groups to comment on her nomination. We want to keep you informed as this nomination process goes forward, so please stop by AUL.org for more background on Judge Sotomayor.

So what do we think? Frankly, this is a very troubling nomination. In listing his requirements for a Supreme Court pick, President Obama highlighted “empathy” rather than loyalty to Constitutional principles. Now, we see what that means – a judge who makes it clear she decides cases on feelings, not facts. She is a radical judicial activist who readily admits that she applies her personal political agenda when deciding cases.

In a speech at Duke Law School at 2005, Sotomayor said that her own Court of Appeals — not the democratically elected legislature — is “where policy is made.” Taking such “judicial action,” she said in a 2004 speech, is part of the “heroics of judges today; it may dwell in protecting our own turf and ensuring that it is we who interpret the law.”

Sotomayor’s philosophy of radical judicial activism is exactly the thinking that led to the Supreme Court turning into the “National Abortion Control Board,” denying the American people the right to be heard on this critical issue. She will further entrench the Court’s self-appointed role as the sole arbiter of abortion policy. Based on her judicial philosophy, we expect her to elevate unrestricted, unregulated, and taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand to a fundamental constitutional right by reading the sweeping Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) into the Constitution.

Pro-abortion groups are already lining up to endorse Obama’s choice. NARAL praised her “distinguished record of professional accomplishments,” while the National Organization for Women (NOW) said it would “celebrate” the nomination with a “Confirm Her” ad campaign.

That’s why it’s so important we get out the truth about Sotomayor’s radical judicial activism. Our recent polling data shows 69% of the American people believe that “some federal judges have gone too far by doing more than just interpreting the law and instead are making new law.” Mainstream America will not tolerate the choice of a Supreme Court nominee who, instead of following her duty to uphold the Constitution, chooses instead to dictate her own personal political agenda.

We need your help to make sure the next Supreme Court justice rules on facts, not feelings. Will you send a generous gift today? We want to send a loud and clear message that the American people will not tolerate a judge who believes in setting her own policy and “protecting [her] own turf.” But we need your help to keep pounding the message home during the confirmation process. Let’s show our politicians and the American people that a vote to confirm her would be a vote to strip Americans of the ability to choose for themselves how to regulate abortion. Thank you for standing with us!

For Life,

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Americans United for Life

P.S. — Your gift will help us make sure the next Supreme Court justice rules on facts, not feelings.

AUL in the News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sotomayor Wants to Set Policy, Will Perpetuate Role of Supreme Court as “National Abortion Control Board”

Washington, DC — Americans United for Life (AUL) President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest reacted to President Barack Obama nominating Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the United States Supreme Court, stating:

“For all the President’s talk of finding ‘common ground,’ this appointment completely contradicts that hollow promise.  Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy undermines common ground.  She is a radical pick that divides America.  She believes the role of the Court is to set policy which is exactly the philosophy that led to the Supreme Court turning into the National Abortion Control Board denying the American people to right to be heard on this critical issue.  This appointment would provide a pedestal for an avowed judicial activist to impose her personal policy and beliefs onto others from the bench, at a time when the Courts are at a crossroad and critical abortion regulations — supported by the vast majority of Americans — like partial-birth abortion and informed consent laws lie in the balance.

“A vote to confirm Judge Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court Justice is a vote to strip Americans of the ability to choose for themselves how to regulate abortion.  Our recent polling data speaks to this point of judicial activism:  69% of the American people believe that “some federal judges have gone too far by doing more than just interpreting the law and instead are making new law.”

The Supreme Court took on the role of the ‘National Abortion Control Board’ in 1973 with Roe vs. Wade, and Judge Sotomayor will further entrench the Court’s self-appointed role as the sole arbiter of abortion policy.  Based on her judicial philosophy, we expect her to elevate unrestricted, unregulated, and taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand to a fundamental constitutional right by reading the sweeping Freedom of Choice Act – also known as FOCA – into the Constitution.
 
“The American people want the right to implement common-sense regulations on abortion.  American parents want parental involvement laws to protect their daughters from having abortions without their knowledge or consent.  They want prohibitions on late-term abortions and the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortion-on-demand.  And women have rallied for informed consent laws, ensuring that they receive all medically-appropriate information about abortion, its complications, and its consequences.”
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — Americans United for Life (AUL) President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest reacted to President Barack Obama nominating Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the United States Supreme Court, stating:

For all the President’s talk of finding ‘common ground,’ this appointment completely contradicts that hollow promise.  Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy undermines common ground.  She is a radical pick that divides America.  She believes the role of the Court is to set policy, which is exactly the philosophy that led to the Supreme Court turning into the ‘National Abortion Control Board,’ denying the American people the right to be heard on this critical issue.  This appointment would provide a pedestal for an avowed judicial activist to impose her personal policy and beliefs onto others from the bench, at a time when the Courts are at a crossroad and critical abortion regulations – supported by the vast majority of Americans – like partial-birth abortion and informed consent laws lie in the balance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — William L. “Bill” Saunders today joined Americans United for Life (AUL) as Senior Counsel.  Mr. Saunders will be leading the development of an international edition of AUL’s definitive legal guide Defending Life and contributing to AUL’s work on bioethics, rights of conscience, and end of life issues.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL President & CEO said: “I am very pleased Bill is joining our team.  As a Harvard-trained attorney with extensive publications and a prominent reputation in the pro-life movement, Bill’s addition is a strategic move for AUL as we head into our next phase of development. He will be an important resource for us as we move toward the coming Supreme Court nomination.”

Mr. Saunders said: “It is a great honor to be a part of AUL, an organization with a reputation for excellence and unparalleled expertise.  Working to expand the protection of human life beyond our national borders and to provide more resources to pro-life allies around the globe is a significant venture.  This new project is critical as we see the targeted threats to life growing internationally.”

Mr. Saunders was featured in Harvard’s first Guide to Conservative Public Interest Law in 2003, and again in the 2008 edition, and he served on Harvard’s Advisory Committee for its 2008 celebration of public interest law.
 
He speaks and writes frequently on international law and life-related topics such as stem cell research and cloning.  He has submitted testimony on several occasions to the President’s Council on Bioethics and has briefed Congressional staff multiple times on stem cell research and cloning.  He delivered the annual J. Michael Miller Lecture at the University of St. Thomas (on international law) in February 2007, the annual R. Wayne Kraft Memorial Lecture (on bioethics) at DeSales University in February 2004, and the annual James Moore Lecture (on Sudan) at Millikin University in 1999.  He has also lectured, and/or has been published, in many countries, including Italy, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Mexico, Qatar, Malaysia, Romania, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.
 
President Bush appointed Mr. Saunders to serve on the United States delegation to the UN Special Session on Children in 2001-2002.  In 2004, he served on the NGO Working Committee in connection with the Doha Intergovernmental Conference for the Family.  He served on the organizing committee for the conferences of the World Congress of Families in Mexico City (2004), in Poland (2007), in Amsterdam (2009), and is a member of that organization’s Management Committee.

Mr. Saunders served previously as Senior Fellow, Human Rights Counsel, and Director of the Center for Human Life and Bioethics at the Family Research Council.  He has also practiced law with the firm Covington and Burling and taught law at the Catholic University of America.  A member of the Supreme Court bar, he has authored numerous legal briefs in state and federal (and foreign) courts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 21, 2009

Washington, DC — Americans United for Life (AUL) today sent a letter to all U.S. Senate members urging them to consider new abortion polling data when they evaluate the President’s Supreme Court nominee.

The data reveal that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree by overwhelming majorities that they want Supreme Court Justices who disavow politics and who will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law as written, including on issues involving abortion.

Specifically, respondents agreed on upholding common-sense abortion regulations already in place, and in objecting to late-term abortions and taxpayer-funded abortions.  This consensus was held even among Americans who self-describe as “pro-choice.”

In the letter, included in full below, AUL President & CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest states:

Senators, we urge you to take these clear findings into consideration before you vote on the President’s nominee and recognize that the majority of your constituents — regardless of political party — fervently oppose any type of judicial activism that would rescind common sense laws on abortion and its regulations.

The poll was conducted on behalf of AUL by The Polling Company, Inc. on May 17-18.  The findings are available at:

http://www.aul.org/xm_client/client_documents/AUL_Survey_of_American_Adults_Topline_Results_Release.pdf

Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.  For more information, visit www.AUL.org

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

May 21, 2009

Dear Senators:
 
As we await President Obama’s announcement of his choice to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice David Souter’s retirement, new polling data reveal that Americans want Justices who disavow politics and who will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law as written, including on issues involving abortion.

By overwhelming majorities, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agreed that judges should exercise restraint and check their own beliefs and predispositions at the courthouse door.  They agreed on upholding common sense abortion regulations already in place in the states, including parental consent laws, and objecting to late-term abortions and taxpayer-funded abortions in the U.S. and overseas.  Further, this consensus was held even among Americans who self-described themselves as “pro-choice.”
 
For example, on the role of federal judges, majorities of self-identified Republicans, Independents, and Democrats:

• Agreed that “When considering a new Justice for the United States Supreme Court, I would prefer that my United States Senators look for a man or woman who will interpret the law as it is written and not take into account his or her personal viewpoints and experiences.”  (Agreement: 92% of Republicans, 86% of Independents, 84% of Democrats, 91% of conservatives, 85% of moderates, 80% of liberals) 

These same majorities were in vast agreement on abortion regulations as they:

• Opposed a nominee who “Supports late-term abortions, which are abortions in the 7th, 8th, or 9th months of pregnancy, and are also known as ‘Partial-Birth Abortions.’”  (Opposition: 89% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, 77% of Democrats, 89% of conservatives, 80% of moderates, and 67% of liberals)
• Opposed a nominee who “Opposes making it illegal for someone to take a girl younger than the age of 18 across state lines to obtain abortions without her parents’ knowledge.” (73% of Republicans, 74% of Independents, 62% of Democrats, 73% of conservatives, 67% of moderates, 59% of liberals)
• Opposed a nominee who “Favors using tax dollars to pay for abortions here in the United States.” (Opposition: 86% of Republicans, 67% of Independents, 61% of Democrats, 86% of conservatives, 62% of moderates, 54% of liberals)
• Opposed a nominee who “Favors using tax dollars to pay for abortions in other countries.” (Opposition: 97% of Republicans, 86% of Independents, 84% of Democrats, 95% of conservatives, 87% of moderates, 76% of liberals)
• Opposed a nominee who “believes that the Courts, and not the voters or elected officials, should make policies on abortion in the United States.”  (78% of Republicans, 65% of Independents, 69% of Democrats, 75% of conservatives, 71% of moderates, 65% of liberals)

Significantly, the majority of Americans of all political and ideological cohorts expressed opposition to a suggested federal law that abolishes restrictions on abortions (including 93% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, and 72% of Democrats, 88% of conservatives, 77% of moderates, and 62% of liberals.)  This unnamed law is the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), a law that our next Justice could rule upon in an upcoming term of the U.S. Supreme Court.  Fully nine-in-ten Americans who identified with a pro-life position on the six-point scale (90%) and 65% who selected a pro-choice stance on the same spectrum were dissatisfied with this potential legislation.

Finally, when asked whether the next Justice should be a man or a woman, the tri-partisan consensus also volunteered that it does not matter (79% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, 61% of Democrats, 78% of conservatives, 67% of moderates, and 62% of liberals — as well as 66% of women.)

Senators, we urge you to take these clear findings into consideration before you vote on the President’s nominee and recognize that the majority of your constituents — regardless of political party — fervently oppose any type of judicial activism that would rescind common sense laws on abortion and its regulations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charmaine Yoest
President & CEO
Americans United for Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 15, 2009

Washington, DC — Americans United for Life (AUL) announces today a new legal prospectus on the probable “short list” of President Obama’s Supreme Court nominees, and their records on life issues. AUL is the nation’s first national pro-life organization and the leading legal and public policy organization in the pro-life movement.

The comprehensive, concise document identifies nine probable nominees and highlights cases, past writings, opinions, and arguments indicating affinities for pro-abortion activism.  In addition, it explains how past interpretations by some of the individuals could be applied to future rulings on life issues.  The prospectus also identifies personal endorsements of and political contributions to extreme, pro-abortion activist groups.

For example, Solicitor General Elena Kagan tops many ’short-lists’ and yet she has publicly and repeatedly criticized federal regulations that prohibit federally funded abortion counseling.  Kagan argues that the regulations amount to the subsidization of “anti-abortion” speech.  Another short-list topper, Judge Diane Wood, has disputed the constitutionality of partial-birth abortion bans enacted in Illinois and Wisconsin.

To access the prospectus, visit: http://www.aul.org/ussc_potentials

AUL President Dr. Charmaine Yoest states:

“The records of these potential nominees are absolutely the most radically pro-abortion our country has ever seen.  Every potential nominee is pro-abortion and would advance President Obama’s radical agenda to enact FOCA, eliminating every restriction on abortion nationwide.  In their records, we see examples such as ruling in favor of taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand, vetoing common-sense abortion regulations, favoring an expansive right to privacy, and restricting the First Amendment rights of pro-life activists.

“One of the reasons for the controversy surrounding President Obama’s visit to Notre Dame this weekend is the gap between what he says and what he does with respect to life issues.  In his first 100 days in office, he has made policy changes, appointments, and public promises that directly contradict his claim of wanting to reduce the number of abortions.

“We expect that with this upcoming nomination, he will continue the rhetoric of valuing the protection of all human life while in reality undermining protections currently in place.  We will continue to work to draw attention to this gap, and we will make the pro-life voice heard during this nomination process.”

Probable “Short List”

• Elena Kagan, Solicitor General of the United States
• The Honorable Diane Wood, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
• The Honorable Leah Ward Sears, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court
• The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Other Potential Nominees

• Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan
• Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts
• Kathleen M. Sullivan, Stanford Law School
• Cass Sunstein, White House Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulator Affairs

About Americans United for Life
Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.  The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971.  The Wall Street Journal has profiled AUL, and PBS’ Frontline program chronicled AUL’s successful efforts in Mississippi.

“Pro-abortion Supreme Court nominee will read Freedom of Choice Act into the Constitution.”

WASHINGTON – Major media outlets are reporting that United State Supreme Court Justice David Souter has informed the White House that he plans to retire at the end of the Court’s current term.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of Americans United for Life, stated, “We will work to oppose any nominee for the Supreme Court who will read the Freedom of Choice Act into the Constitution in order to elevate abortion to a fundamental right on the same plane as the freedom of speech. In his search for a replacement for Justice Souter, President Obama should avoid a pro-abortion litmus test.”

Dr. Yoest continued, “This nomination represents a test for a President who has expressed a public commitment to reducing abortions while pursuing an aggressive pro-abortion agenda. Appointing an abortion radical to the Court — someone who believes social activism trumps the Constitution – further undermines efforts to reduce abortion. In the days ahead, Justice Souter’s retirement also represents a test for the Senate: will they uphold their duty to raise serious questions over a nominee’s judicial philosophy?”

“The irony is that even many abortion rights supporters agree that Roe v. Wade was poorly decided,” Yoest said. “One person often cited as a potential Obama pick, legal scholar Cass Sunstein, has argued that Roe ‘badly overreached’ and that the decision rests on shaky constitutional foundations.”

Regarding Souter’s tenure on the Court, Americans United for Life Senior Counsel Clarke D. Forsythe stated, “Justice David Souter is one of the most pro-abortion members of the United States Supreme Court. During his tenure, Justice Souter voted to uphold abortion on demand and to strike down common sense abortion regulations that the vast majority of Americans support. He voted in 2000 and again in 2007 to strike down prohibitions on the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion. As many votes on abortion have been 5-4 decisions, his presence on the Court has extended the tragedy of abortion by restricting the right of states to make their own decisions on abortion law.”

About Americans United for Life
Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.  The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971.  The Wall Street Journal has profiled AUL, and PBS’ Frontline program chronicled AUL’s successful efforts in Mississippi.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oklahoma City, OK — Last night, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry vetoed Oklahoma House Bill 1326, a bill making it illegal for any Oklahoma business to conduct research that would kill a human embryo or subject an unborn child to a substantial risk of death or injury.  The Oklahoma House of Representatives immediately overrode the veto; however, the Oklahoma Senate failed to follow suit.

The bill would have banned research requiring the destruction of unborn children.  Maressa Treat, AUL Oklahoma State Director, stated, “This life-saving bill was vital to keeping Oklahoma a leader in the pro-life movement.  The veto is disappointing to all who support life issues, such as banning embryonic stem cell research.”

Daniel S. McConchie, AUL Vice President of Government Affairs, added, “This important legislation was the victim of a disinformation campaign designed to scare the public and prevent them from understanding its true purpose:  saving human lives.  We look forward to educating the people of Oklahoma about why this legislation is vital to the state.”

About Americans United for Life
Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.  The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971.  The Wall Street Journal has profiled AUL, and PBS’ Frontline program chronicled AUL’s successful efforts in Mississippi.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that it will not appeal a U.S. District Court order that 17 year old girls should have unrestricted, over-the-counter access to Plan B or so-called “emergency contraception.”

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of Americans United for Life said, “The federal agency tasked with protecting public health has abdicated its responsibility by not appealing the court order.  The maker of Plan B has not researched what happens when adolescents take Plan B.  In addition, neither the maximum safe dose nor the effects of overdose have been determined by scientific study on any age group.”

Last month, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Tummino v. Torti ordered the FDA to make Plan B available to 17 year olds under the same conditions that it is currently available to adult women.  This overruled a previous decision by the FDA requiring that minors first obtain a valid prescription for the potentially dangerous drug.

In addition, the court’s ruling did not permit the FDA to undertake another internal review of the drug’s safety record or to receive evidence on the increased need to protect minors from dangerous medications or even sexual abuse.

Denise Burke, AUL Vice President of Legal Affairs said, “With this decision, an unsafe drug could be used by sexual predators and even the victims themselves to hide the abuse from parents and the authorities.”

For more on the safety concerns surrounding Plan B, see “The Deadly Convenience Of RU-486 and Plan B” in AUL’s annual legal guide Defending Life 2009.

About Americans United for Life
Americans United for Life (AUL) is a nonprofit, public-interest law and policy organization whose vision is a nation in which everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law.  The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971.  The Wall Street Journal has profiled AUL, and PBS’ Frontline program chronicled AUL’s successful efforts in Mississippi.