Catholics Protest Nonexistent Abortion Bill

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 19, 2009 12:44 PM CST

(Newser) – Catholics are pulling out all the stops to quash the Freedom of Choice Act, peppering Congress and the White House with postcards and letters. There’s just one problem: There is no Freedom of Choice Act. The bill has been introduced in years past, but it isn’t before Congress now, won’t be anytime soon, and wouldn’t pass if it were, Time reports.

“FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion,” reads a widely circulated chain email, and it’s “about to be signed.” But FOCA was designed to protect abortion rights if then-President Bush appointed another Supreme Court justice. With President Obama in office, it’s off the agenda. One progressive Catholic activist says right-wing organizations are purposely fueling a misinformation campaign, “and unfortunately some of these groups have the ear of certain bishops.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Erik Whittington, of Virginia, displays a sign during a rally and prayer vigil against abortion outside Trinity University in Washington, DC in this file photo. (Getty Images)

Mary Del Duca of Port St. Lucie, Fla., holds a pro-life sign outside a campaign rally of Republican presidential hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, in this Jan 27, 2008 file photo. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Right-wing organizations are deliberately misleading people in order to stoke the culture war. They're using this as a fundraising tool, as a way to gin up their relevancy.
- James Salt, director of Catholics United, a progressive organization

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COMMENTS

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riffran

Feb 20, 2009 6:00 AM CST

I like my ad Hominem with butter and sauted onions, and a little bit O mild cheddar., ...goes good with spicy chili too!....just call me bubbah...lol.......either that or my latin is a bit rusty...not enough caffeine, brings on encephalus languidus......and yes, there is a lot of attacks on the "person" to discredit the posting.....but thats half the fun..........lets get ready to RUMMMMBLLLLLLLE.......(ok too much caffffffffeine)

cornelison

Feb 20, 2009 5:59 AM CST

When the right wing have no constructive debate they lie. All the lies about the new administration have poisoned the hope that many of us are looking for. This morning Joe Scarborough said that people who "flip" homes will be helped with their mortgages. The plan is clearly written that those "flippers" will not be helped.

Guest

Feb 20, 2009 4:03 AM CST

Donate to the protest! They will need millions and millions to stop this bill! All pro-lifers need to donate as much as they possibly can! As often as possible! Move this protest to the top of your acitivism list. Nothing else is more important than saving lives! Don't forget -- Donate!

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Politics • Health • US

Barack Obama • abortion • abortion rights • Catholic • US Supreme Court • George W. Bush • pro-life • anti-abortion activists

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