Cardinal Justin Rigali's Letter Urging Support for the Smith/Stupak Amendment

Description

The State/Foreign Operations appropriations bill raises two serious problems. First, language rescinds the Mexico City Policy, which prevents U.S. family planning assistance from being channeled through groups that perform and promote abortion as family planning. An amendment by Reps. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) would delete this provision. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, has sent a letter urging support for the Stupak/Smith Amendment. For text of the Cardinal's letter, click below.

Second, the bill contains a harmful provision nullifying the current allocation of one-third of AIDS prevention funds for abstinence programs that have proven to be effective in Africa. The USCCB and Catholic Relief Services have issued a joint letter on this important concern. For a copy of this letter click here.