Religious Coalition Opposes So-called 
"Partial-Birth Abortion Act"
October 20, 1999

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice opposes the so-called "Partial-Birth Abortion Act" passed October 21, 1999, by the U.S. Senate because it would prohibit an individual from acting according to her beliefs on a most personal issue and would constitute government interference in a medical and moral decision.

The Religious Coalition believes abortion is a complex moral decision, to be made thoughtfully and prayerfully by a woman in consultation with her husband or partner, her doctor, and her faith. We believe it is the responsibility of faith communities and families to guide women and men in moral decision-making.

While recognizing that late-term abortion poses a special concern for some religious groups, the Religious Coalition remains firmly committed to the principle that reproductive choice is an integral part of religious freedom.

In 1996, 69 national religious leaders signed a letter opposing federal legislation to ban so-called "partial- birth abortion." In it, they said, 

"...we hold human life sacred, yet we respectfully disagree with this legislation...In the case of severe fetal anomalies or threats to the life and health of the mother, people of faith are called to cherish the life of the mother and others who are affected-the husband or partner, the children already living, and others-and to have compassion for a fetus who, if born, would inevitably suffer or die.

"We are convinced that each woman who is faced with such difficult moral decisions must be free to decide how to respond, in consultation with her doctor, her family, and her God?none of us can discern God's will as well as the woman herself, and that is where we believe the decision must end.

"Indeed, where religious people have such profound and sincere differences-even within our own denominations and faith groups-the government must not legislate, and thus impose, one religious view on all our citizens. To do so violates our most cherished tradition of religious freedom."

Instead of making abortion more difficult and dangerous for women, lawmakers should promote policies that reduce the need for abortion.  Almost 50 percent of all pregnancies in this country are unintended, including over 30 percent within marriage. And over half of all unintended pregnancies end in abortion.  Improved access to contraception -- including increases in Title X funding,  insurance coverage of contraception and improved contraceptive research -- would address the root causes of unintended pregnancy and would reduce the need for abortion. The Religious Coalition  prayerfully, faithfully supports such measures to improve individual health and well-being and encourage personal responsibility.