FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2009
CONTACT: Joy Yearout (703) 380-6674 or jyearout@sba-list.org
100 Days of Abortion in the Obama Administration
Action Taken on 10 of 15 Agenda Items Requested by Abortion Advocates
Washington, D.C. – Today the president of the Susan B. Anthony List commented on the achievement of the Obama Administration in fulfilling 10 of 15 agenda items outlined in a December report from over 50 abortion-rights organizations submitted to the Obama-Biden transition team:
“President Barack Obama spoke of finding ‘common ground’ on abortion policy, but abortion advocates groups clearly have an open door,” said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “It’s only been 100 days, but President Obama has managed to check off ten of the fifteen demands of the abortion industry. This is the most aggressive, pro-abortion administration in decades. Yet pro-life activists are more energized than ever to defend women and unborn children at every opportunity. The Obama Administration should be prepared – commonsense abortion policy like the Hyde Amendment will not be repealed without a fight by pro-life Americans.”
Last December the Obama-Biden Transition Project posted a report compiled by over 50 abortion advocacy groups detailing extensive policy requests. The report, entitled “Advancing Reproductive Rights and Health in a New Administration,” was posted on www.change.gov and calls for major policy reversals regarding abortion, including a timeline of actions for the first 100 Days. Among those actions, the following ten have been achieved or are in progress:
- Reverse the pro-life Mexico City Policy - Accomplished by Executive Order on January 23, 2009.
- Restore funding to the UNFPA - Accomplished in the FY 2009 Appropriations Omnibus bill; Increased funding 25% to $50 million. More funding requested For FY 2010.
- Increase Title X Funding (Planned Parenthood Funding Stream) to $700M - Title X Domestic Family Planning received an increase of about $7.5 million for a total of $307M. (2.5% increase) More requested for FY 2010.
- Rescind Conscience Protections for Medical Providers - Rule reversal published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2009.
- Strike Abortion Budgetary Restrictions – Kemp-Kasten language limiting funds for organizations connected to coercive abortion practices weakened in FY 2009 budget.
- Provide $1B for International Family Planning - International Family Planning received an increase of $88 million for a total of $545 million. (19% percent increase over $457 million in FY08).
- Select Pro-Abortion Judicial Nominees – David Hamilton nominated for U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Choose Pro-Abortion Federal Appointees – Achieved with nominations of Kathleen Sebelius, Janet Napolitano, David Ogden, Elena Kagan, Ellen Moran, Dawn Johnsen, and more.
- Review Policies that Restrict Access to Emergency Contraception – FDA approved access to Plan B for 17 year olds.
- Reduce the Cost of Birth Control at College Health Centers – Nominal drug pricing for university and community clinics included in FY 2009 Budget.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 156,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
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