WASHINGTON — For weeks, President Bar ack Obama has tried to combat claims that his health care overhaul would mean tax dollars going toward abortions, calling the assertion a “myth.” Today, his argument will receive support: A group of black church leaders who oppose abortion is set to endorse the president’s health plan.
The clergy — led by Bishop Charles Blake, a Los Angeles minister who heads the massive Church of God in Christ — are scheduled to announce their support in a news conference today. And they will offer a full embrace of the government-run insurance option that white evangelical leaders and many Republicans have said opens the door to taxpayer-funded abortions.
Legislation proposed by House Democrats would put public health care money in separate accounts so only private funds are used for abortions. Conservatives call that an “accounting scheme.” The black leaders are expected to use careful language, echoing Obama’s abortion pledge.
“In accord with our commitment to Christian teaching, we wholeheartedly affirm the president’s position that medical costs related to the abortion of fetuses shall not be covered by health care plans funded by this initiative,” Blake will say today, according to an advance copy of his remarks.
Douglas Johnson, legislative director for National Right to Life, said Wednesday that the clergy should be pressing for amendments that ensure no government money goes toward abortions.
