The fifty-five nuns who signed a missive supporting Congress’ now-passed healthcare legislation as “life-affirming” may have just gotten what they wanted—or perhaps not quite what they wanted—but certainly what they asked for. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, recently congratulated the women religious on their “brave and important move” of open defiance of the nation’s Catholic bishops, supporting measures that—in Richards’ own words—will “significantly increase insurance coverage of reproductive health care, including family planning.” Richards has good reason to celebrate: Planned Parenthood will benefit greatly from the new insurance monies headed their way. But how the nuns can get around the fact of increased abortion coverage—along with the gleeful admission by pro-aborts that the bill bolsters their interests—is beyond imagination.
It may well be the case that some of the religious sisters involved in the letter’s synthesis really do believe the bill is “life-affirming.” Assuming they do not identify with Cecile Richards and her organization, called “Murder, Inc.” by some, one can only hope they now see that the wrong side is celebrating. And if they find themselves on the celebrating side, it is easier to see why Richards suggests we listen to them—not because of their gender, religious affiliation, or perspective—but because they’re pro-abortion choice.
