Democrats For Life of America

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size

95-10 Initiative - Page 2

Wednesday, 20 April 2005 19:00 Kristen Day
E-mail Print PDF
Article Index
95-10 Initiative
Page 2
All Pages
Page 2 of 2


The 17 different policy programs outlined in the 95-10 Initiative are broken into three categories: empowering women, defending women and protecting unborn children.  “We can’t thank Congressman Ryan enough for taking a leadership role on this Initiative.  From the day we proposed 95-10 to him, he eagerly embraced the concept and is quickly taking the idea and making it a reality in the Congress,” said Day.


Congressman Ryan (D-OH) announced at today’s press conference that he will be introducing the 95-10 Initiative in Congress in the near future. “This legislative initiative will communicate to pregnant women that the community is behind you to carry the baby to term.  I am proud that the Democratic Party is supportive of this and that Democratic members are supportive,” said Ryan.


“We are sending an important message today, that by working together and using this legislation as a guide we can take steps to drastically reduce the number of abortions in the United States,” said Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL). “I urge all of our colleagues to embrace this effort." “I believe the "90-10" program is something everyone, regardless of party affiliation, ought to be supporting,” said Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN).


One of the key components of 95-10 addresses adoptions which garnered strong support from adoption advocates like the National Council For Adoption.  In a statement, the President and CEO of NCFA, Tom Atwood said, “We support pro-adoption measures proposed in the 95-10 Initiative.  As provided for in this legislation, the time has come to make adoption tax credits permanent and to ensure that women with unplanned pregnancies receive timely counseling and accurate information about the positive option of adoption."


Joining Senator Nelson and the National Council for Adoption in support of the 95-10 Initiative was Kurt Entsminger, President, CareNet.  In a released statement Entsminger said, “We applaud Democrats for Life for championing an agenda that embraces the women facing an unplanned pregnancy and offers her support and critical information about positive alternatives to abortion. Pregnancy resource centers are at the forefront of these efforts, and are the key players to help reach the goal of making abortion rare.”


“DFLA has always been committed to protecting life, but we also want to help strengthen and rebuild the Democratic majority in America.  Our vision is that a pro-choice Democrat could say that they are a “95-10 pro-choice Democrat”.  Both pro-life and pro-choice Democrats want to reduce the number of abortions, and this initiative will help us focus on what we have in common instead of our differences on the life issue,” said Day.


Democrats For Life of America was founded in 1999 to mobilize Democrats at the local, state, and national levels.  Their primary mission has been to help pro-life Democrats, support pro-life elected officials, promote a pro-life plank in the Democratic Party platform and achieve legislation that fosters respect for human life.


Democrats For Life of America currently has 41 state chapters with plans to expand the group into additional states by the end of the year.  In addition to the grassroots support across America, the group has several Members of Congress who are actively promoting the group’s mission.



<< Prev - Next

Last Updated on Friday, 17 June 2005 06:44  

Get Involved

 

 Pregnant? Need help?
Click here
for
Resources		 Pregnant? Need help?

Latest News

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REITERATES THAT NO FEDERAL FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR ABORTION

Contrary to Claims by Republican-controlled Groups, High Risk Pools Will Not Pay for Abortion . . .

July 15, 2010 - Following the announcement that Pennsylvania will receive $160 million to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions are able to get health insurance under the new health care law, the National Right to Life Committee and others accused President Obama of allowing public funds to be used for abortion.  The Administration quickly responded to inquiries from Democrats for Life of America and pro-life Democratic Congressional leaders to make clear that this will not be the case.

HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus stated, " As is the case with FEHB plans currently, and with the Affordable Care Act and the President's related Executive Order more generally, in Pennsylvania and in all other states abortions will not be covered in the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) except in the cases of rape or incest, or where the life of the woman would be endangered.

Our policy is the same for both state and federally-run PCIP programs. We will reiterate this policy in guidance to those running the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan at both the state and federal levels. The contracts to operate the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan include a requirement to follow all federal laws and guidance."

The State of Pennsylvania is one of the first states to be awarded funds to set up a high-risk insurance pool.  The pool will ensure that individuals with pre-existing conditions or other conditions that preclude them from accessing health insurance and lifesaving care are able to get covered.

Pennsylvania has one of the most restrictive policies on abortion funding and has been a leader on providing support for pregnant women through their Real Alternatives program. 

Under current law, state-funded health plans may not pay for abortions beyond Hyde restrictions (those other than cases of rape, incest or a threat to the life of the mother).  Any organization receiving state funds may not provide or refer for abortion.  Additionally, neither state nor federal funds can used for abortion and public facilities may not provide abortion services unless they meet the Hyde restrictions. 

DFLA appreciates the leadership of our pro-life Democrats in Congress who are able to work closely with the Administration to ensure that no public funds will be used for abortion and that the intent of the Executive Order will be adhered to. While Republicans continue to mischaracterize aspects of the health reform bill, we will work to ensure the law provides affordable and accessible health care for millions of Americans while upholding the longstanding ban on public funding of abortion.
 
Heretics or Converts: Democrats Better Decide
Mark Shields offers this important column on the future of the Democratic party.  Shields says, "What follows is a fail-safe test on whether membership in a political party is growing or shrinking: Is that party spending time, energy and effort courting and welcoming converts, or is the party hunting down heretics within its ranks to banish them for lack of purity?"
 
Rage against Rep. Stupak is misdirected

Eva Ritchey, President of North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats, defends Bart Stupak and other pro-life Democrats in this article from the Ashville Citizen-Times.