"Urgent: an outrageous action, we must respond" (Calling Pro-Choice Catholics)

[Nikki Stone1]

Dear Nikki Stone:

A few days ago, it felt as if we were holding strong in
achieving health care reform that would finally ensure
comprehensive coverage for everyone. As the legislation began
moving closer to a vote, I knew that our job holding on to our
reproductive health victories would be hard ... and then I
received a copy of a memo that the Catholic bishops sent to
their congregations.

As I write this, the bishops have asked all the Catholics in the
country to contact their legislators, asking them to alter
current health care legislation to include anti-choice
amendments. The bishops have inserted letters into church
bulletins and asked priests to include their call to action in
their sermons -- and even in their prayers -- during Sunday
services.

It's clear that every group opposed to a woman's right to choose
is pulling out all the stops this week to bring all the progress
we've made on health care reform to a grinding halt. The results
could be devastating to everyone who desperately needs health
care, including the women, men, and teens that Planned
Parenthood serves. Once again, we urgently need your help.

First, please contact your senators and representative right
now, asking them to protect women, to protect our health care,
to protect our rights and not cave to the vocal minority. I know
that you've likely e-mailed and called before, and I'm asking
you to do it again today -- and it won't be the last time. Thank
you for not letting up.

http://www.ppaction.org/network/hcr09callvisibility.html

Second, spread the word. I truly believe that if people know
what the bishops and other groups are doing, they will be
outraged, and they will speak up. Drowning them out won't be
easy, but your action today will help.

One thing I know for sure -- the bishops don't speak for all
Catholics. From one Catholic Planned Parenthood supporter:

"What bothers me most is this: Millions of people are uninsured
and hundreds of thousands die every year as a result. And, to
see my church sacrifice health care reform for the sake of this
one issue is just going too far. They don't represent me, and
they don't represent my beliefs. I'm speaking out, and I'm
asking my Catholic friends and family to do the same."

If you're Catholic and you disagree with the bishops, please let
your legislators know when you send your message. Your voice as
a pro-choice Catholic needs to be heard NOW.

We are so close, Nikki. In my lifetime, we've never
been closer to expanding access to affordable health care for
everyone. I don't think we'll get another chance, and we've got
to do everything we can not to let it slip away. Rest assured,
Planned Parenthood is doing all we can. Every time a group tries
to limit the care and rights of women and their families, we
will be here for them. And we know that you, too, will be right
here with us. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Action Fund

[boston bean]

1. someone please tell me why we even have to take this bs seriously with the majorities we have in

oongress.

if it was the repubs, they would do whatever the hell they want.

the pendulum is stuck right of center, fuck!

and where the hell is Obama on this?

[Gman]

2. Check out Catholics United

http://www.catholics-united.org/

[Nikki Stone1]

5. Thanks

:)

[Riley18]

3. Thanks for the link. I signed up for a once a week call to my senator.

It is a shame that a small group of men want to control women's health in this country. Why don't they care about all the uninsured children in this country? How about all the parents who have died because they did not have adequate health care? I was raised a Catholic and baptized my kids, but I have not been to church for a few years due to this Anti-choice politics. All religion should stay out of politics because otherwise they are no different than the terrorists in other countries.

[Nikki Stone1]

4. Excellent!

I contacted my Senators too.

[Nikki Stone1]

6. Kick

...

[Mithreal]

7. The knuckledraggers keep unrec'ing, so K&R

[JoeyT]

8. At least we know how to pay for health care now.

Seeing as this is a violation of their tax exemption and all.

[Jester Messiah]

9. Tax those political bastards! [nt]