Pro-life groups in the United States fear the worst from Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the issue of abortion, but the new Secretary of Health and Human Services has support from the pro-choice arena. 

Although Sebelius describes herself as a moderate Democrat and has publically stated that she is personally against abortion, many pro-life groups believe that she will support pro-choice legislation in her new role. However, supporters emphasize her ability to work with both parties. 

Those who oppose Sebelius are concerned not only with the issue of abortion, but also related issues such as embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.

Susan Fani, communications director for the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, acknowledged that health care reform is high on both Sebelius’ and Obama’s priority list. She said, “We’re concerned that they also may try to make abortion a right, or something protected or guaranteed under the health care reform.” 

Sebelius’ voting record and past relationship with the recently deceased late-term abortion doctor George Tiller also fueled the controversy surrounding her appointment.  

At a charity auction, Tiller bid on and won a reception at Sebelius’ home that took place in April, 2007 but was not publicized until a year later, when pro-life group Operation Rescue circulated photos from the event over the Internet.  

Before being shot and killed in his church this past week, Tiller was scheduled to go on trial for 19 alleged misdemeanors regarding late-term abortions he performed. Tiller, along with his clinic, contributed over $35,000 to Sebelius’ campaign. Her initial failure to report $23,000 of that contribution added to the controversy.

According to Fani, the League also worries that with Sebelius in her new position, the Obama administration will overturn the “right of conscience” regulation allowing medical personnel to refrain from participating in practices, like abortion, that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs.

“As Catholics, we want to make sure that the right is protected,” said the League’s Communications Director, Susan Fani. 

Mary Kay Culp, State Executive Director of Kansans for Life, said of Sebelius, “She is, I would say, an extremist on the abortion issue on the pro-choice side of the spectrum.”

Culp also said, “What we fear is that she’ll do everything she can to push abortion being paid for the government.” 

According to Culp, the group is also apprehensive that Sebelius will support stem cell research and human cloning legislation. 

Sebelius wrote in response to Senate Finance Committee questions, “I am personally opposed to abortion, and my faith teaches me that all life is sacred.”

However, as chairman of a Kansas House committee handling abortion legislation in 1992, Sebelius supported legislation that would have eliminated the mandatory waiting period before an abortion and the requirement that a parent authorize a minor’s abortion.

Sebelius also vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 218, which would have required abortion doctors to report additional information on late-term abortions to the state.  However, the vetoed bill also gave women and their husbands or guardians the right to sue doctors who had unlawfully provided them an abortion.

Sebelius wrote, “The provision in this bill that would allow for the criminal prosecution of a physician intending to comply with the law will lead to the intimidation of health care providers and reduce comprehensive access to health care for women, even when it is necessary to preserve their lives and health.”

Sebelius said she would like to reduce the number of abortions in her state, but that this bill would not help achieve that, according to The Wichita Eagle. 

While the Catholic League and other such groups remain wary of what they perceive as mixed messages, Planned Parenthood has been public in its support of Sebelius.

According to a press release by Cecile Richards, the organization’s president, “[Sebelius] is an excellent choice to lead HHS and has a proven track record of increasing access to affordable care. As countless women and their families struggle to afford quality health care during these difficult economic times, the need for health care reform that improves health outcomes is immediate.”

While her critics argue that such support conflicts with her professed beliefs, her supporters insist that such a dichotomy will allow her to take a bipartisan approach to the debate. Former Senate GOP leader Bob Dole, who testified on behalf of Sebelius at her confirmation hearing, also suggested that Sebelius has demonstrated her ability to work with both parties. 

“We have a nominee who understands bipartisanship is best in the long run,” he said. “A nonpartisan, or a bipartisan, approach will stand the test of time…. It will not be easy, but I know Governor Sebelius will never stop trying.”

Popularity: 1% [?]