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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Obama Lifts Abortion 'Gag Rule'

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(Newser) – President Obama today overturned the “gag rule” prohibiting the US from funding groups that provide abortions or abortion counseling overseas, Reuters reports. The policy has been enforced and rescinded depending on the Oval Office occupant since it was instituted under President Reagan. Unlike yesterday's high-profile signing ceremony, today's executive order was signed without the media present.

The policy prohibits groups receiving US funding from even discussing abortion. Obama’s decision opens up $400 million for family planning overseas to previously excluded groups, angering opponents. “It is an insult to the American people to bail out the abortion industry,” said one. Groups that back the president's decision say the ban resulted in illegal abortions and deaths.

Abortion opponents march past the Capitol in Washington during the annual March for Life.
Abortion opponents march past the Capitol in Washington during the annual March for Life.   (AP Photo)
Protesters on either side of the issue clash in Washington.
Protesters on either side of the issue clash in Washington.   (AP Photo)
Abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion supporters march in front of the Supreme Court in Washington yesterday.
Abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion supporters march in front of the Supreme Court in Washington yesterday.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama signs a series of executive orders yesterday.
President Barack Obama signs a series of executive orders yesterday.   (AP Photo)
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We wake up every morning to a deepening financial crisis. Planned Parenthood is a billion-dollar company and they do not need additional resources to burden the American taxpayer.
- Charmaine Yoest, president, Americans United for Life

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13 comments
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airron14
Jan 23, 09 5:28 PM CST
"Bail out the _____ industry" The Republicans new default argument, whether it makes sense or not. Reply
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inky
Jan 23, 09 5:51 PM CST
Finally, some progress after 8 years of trying to legislate morality. Reply
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boom
Jan 24, 09 2:10 AM CST
"Life begins when you mind your own business" - Lea Delaria Reply
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riffran
Jan 24, 09 2:12 AM CST
But the real question is.......why are WE the taxpayers having to pay for abortions, and or family planning, in some other country? Other countries don't pay the U.S. to help us with I don't know ...say Gang related violence..or something...Let them pay for their own stuff, whatever that might be. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
grissell
Jan 24, 09 3:41 AM CST
You're right, I also don't want to pay for us to spread "democracy" wherever we please. You've made a valid point, but we as American citizens should be used to the fact that we have to fund over-seas programs that we don't agree with, no matter what it is. That's just the name of the game.
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Gag rule caused 15 million abortions in last 8 years: Planned Parenthood
Washington Post

Foes say move will increase number of abortions
Fox News

Abortion opponents rallied in DC yesterday
Associated Press


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