Two Cheers for Bart Stupak

Departing for a moment from my series of posts on the health care reform legislation, I wanted to add a word of support for Michigan Congressman Bart Stupak, even though I think he stumbled at the finish line.

I do think he made an error in judgment in accepting President Obama's dubious executive order as justifying withdrawal of his objection to the inadequate abortion language in the Senate version of the health care reform legislation and agreeing to cast his vote for the bill. But, while mistaken in my judgment, he made a call on the fly, his heart was always in the right place, and he has a solid record of principled support for the sanctity of human life. His ultimate vote for the health care legislation is not an act of deliberate betrayal, as he had always been on record as supporting the merits of that proposal. And, for that matter, the Obama executive order may prove to have some value, as it at least puts this White House on the record about use of federal funds, even indirectly, for abortion and about the need for a conscience clause for medical providers opposed to abortion.

Would it have been better if he had stood firm, even to the bitter end? Yes, which is why he gets two cheers and not three from me. But as far as I am concerned, and even with my disagreement over the wisdom of bargain with the White House, Rep. Stupak remains a member in good standing of our diverse pro-life community. At any dinner of pro-life leaders, I would be proud to have Rep. Stupak at my table.

Greg Sisk