Obama Avoids Embryonic Stem-Cell Research

Obama Steers Clear of Embryonic Stem-Cell Research

Americans are not happy with his first anti-life decision.

President Barack Obama's first foray into pro-life issues was not a popular one. Just 1 in 3 Americans supports his reversal of the Mexico City Policy, according to a new Gallup Poll.

"That's the first thing he did because he could do it by executive order," Princeton professor Robbie George told The Daily Princetonian. "So now American taxpayers' money will flow into the coffers of abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood and other organizations that make abortions more widely available abroad."

The Mexico City Policy was put in place by President Ronald Reagan, reversed by President Bill Clinton, reinstated by President George W. Bush and reversed by Obama.

Within days of taking office, Obama also was expected to sign an executive order to expand federal funding of destructive embryonic stem-cell research. But just before he became president, Obama told CNN he would "prefer" Congress handle the issue.

"I think the administration is trying to craft a course to push us very hard Left," Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., said, "but in such a way (that) we don't upset too many people and lose too many votes in the future."

David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right To Life Committee, called  Obama "a very shrewd politician."

"Make no mistake," he said, "he's very committed to a pro-abortion agenda."

But O'Steen also said life advocates need to keep fighting.

"The pro-life movement has to keep growing, keep organizing, keep its faith," he said. "We have faith in the issue, and we have faith that we are working to protect God's children."

Contact: Jennifer Mesko
Source: CitizenLink
Source URL: http://www.citizenlink.org
Publish Date: February 3, 2009
Link to this article:
http://www.ifrl.org/ifrl/news/090204_3.htm