National Organization for Women President Terry O'Neill issued a statement Sunday afternoon slamming President Obama, saying that he had broken his faith with women by agreeing to issue an executive order that prohibits federal funding for abortions.
"The National Organization for Women is incensed that President Barack Obama agreed today to issue an executive order designed to appease a handful of anti-choice Democrats who have held up health care reform in an effort to restrict women's access to abortion. Through this order, the president has announced he will lend the weight of his office and the entire executive branch to the anti-abortion measures included in the Senate bill, which the House is now prepared to pass.
"President Obama campaigned as a pro-choice president, but his actions today suggest that his commitment to reproductive health care is shaky at best. Contrary to language in the draft of the executive order and repeated assertions in the news, the Hyde Amendment is not settled law - it is an illegitimate tack-on to an annual must-pass appropriations bill. NOW has a longstanding objection to Hyde and, in fact, was looking forward to working with this president and Congress to bring an end to these restrictions. We see now that we have our work cut out for us far beyond what we ever anticipated. The message we have received today is that it is acceptable to negotiate health care on the backs of women, and we couldn't disagree more."
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I think NOW is overreacting. It's not like this prohibits abortion. People with private insurance can still get abortions using their insurance, All his executive order does is say that he's committed to making sure that the law is enforced as written. What he has not done is said that he doesn't want the law to change. Obama is pro-choice, he's just picking his battles and right now the health care battle is more important.
Women can always do whatever they want. They can have abortion but not at the expense of taxpayers money. They can always pay for it as what they have been doing, but NEVER to be funded from what I pay the government as my tax(es).
Well at least its good to know its not just the ordinary citizens of our once great country think Obama Double Talks . Now his most ardent supporters see the same thing. The agenda is clear , and no one will get in the way of the far left to flip this country upside down and accelerate our slide to absolute power and the relinquishment of our powers of Democracy. God Save Our Souls
I don't understand NOW's fierce objection to this. Although I am a firm believer that abortion should always be the last option brought to the table (except in extreme circumstances like rape, incest, mother's health, etc.) I also agree that it should be up to the parents' consciences as to whether an abortion should be performed, and not legislated. This executive order does not limit this option, it simply stops taxpayer money from being used to perform them.
I find this reasonable. I don't want to federally fund abortions when there are people all across the country who would be grateful to adopt.
Sometimes you have to make compromises. Healthcare for all Americans is of the upmost importance. Once it passes, I'm sure there will be amendments/changes that will address NOW's concerns. For now, deal with it.
Tough toenails. As if the tax-paying public should have to pay for your sexual escapades and irresponsibility
Get over it NOW!!!! Nobody wants to be part of your murdeous ways!
If abortion is a choice, then they need to pay for it themselves. With liberity comes responciblity
I absolutely agree that the government should not have to pay for abortions. I am pro-choice, but if you take the chance to get pregnant, you need to pay for your error.
OMG give me a break. No one is saying women can't have abortions. The order just restricts the use of government funding for them. I think the order is no more than fair. In the event that the pregnancy is forced upon the woman or is threatening her life there should be assistance for her. But if she's not going to be responsible enough for her own body to protect herself during sex (ie condoms, pills, shots etc) then why should I as a tax payer suddenly have to shoulder that responsibility?
NOW is wrong to exploded on the President. Over HALF the US voting population is now against abortion except in the matters listed by the Presdient. OVER HALF. He's not the one out of touch. NOW is. If you expect us woman to move forward you need to move with us or we are leaving you behind. We don't need murder to give us liberty, we can attain all we need without that.
THIS is what you voted for. hopeydopey change. Now act surprised?
People in Chicago knew this was going to happen. Deemocrats can be bought
This says nothing about restricting access, just restricting public funds from paying for abortions.
it is women again that they all can blame for passing healthcare.
did they ever think that men are responsible for getting women pregnant.
is the man accountable for anything.
that ignorant man bart stupak from michigan is a fine example. i think he better get real.
there were 46 million abortions since 1973. women did not do this alone.
come on mr stupak face reality. do something for all citizens. do not pick and choose.
we all should have the same rights. we are all people–we are americans. even you mr stupak.
n johnson
Women can still get an abortion if they want to. They just can't pay for it with federal money. Honestly any unnecessary procedure should be paid for out of pocket.