The following are Rev. Gaddy’s letters to Senators Hatch and Enzi, expressing his concern regarding their amendments to the healthcare reform bill.
September 23, 2009
The Honorable Orrin Hatch
104 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Hatch,
I write to you as president of Interfaith Alliance, a national organization that celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground. I was troubled to hear that you have submitted amendment #C10 to the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009 which would restore funding to the Title V Abstinence Education Program.
As a Baptist minister, I understand the central role that faith plays in the lives of many Americans, including politicians. At the same time, I value our historic tradition of not allowing personal religious beliefs to drive the policies introduced in Congress. This boundary between institutions of religion and institutions of government is one of the foundations of our Constitution. Sometimes, religious or extreme voices can move policies and legislation in one direction, even when research has proven that another direction is more effective.
Earlier this year, President Obama proposed a budget that removed funding for abstinence-only education because studies have shown that the program is ineffective. As reported by The Washington Post on April 14, 2007, a congressionally authorized study that began in 1997 and followed children from elementary and middle school into high school concluded that this type of education did not stop children from engaging in sexual intercourse any more than those who did not receive this education. Sarah Brown, executive director of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, commented at the time, “There’s not a lot of good news here for people who pin their hopes on abstinence-only education.”
Senator Hatch, now that we have had this information for more than two years, why would you introduce an amendment to restore this funding? In fact, it has been reported that you would like to spend $50 million a year on these programs. Especially during these difficult economic times, isn’t it more responsible to focus spending on comprehensive sexual education programs – which lead with abstinence as the only 100% effective way of avoiding both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections – that keep our children healthy and safe in practice, rather than in theory? Reintroducing a program that has been proven to be ineffective is not only a waste of taxpayer dollars, it is dangerous to the health of our children. Please reconsider amendment #C10.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy
President, Interfaith Alliance
September 23, 2009
The Honorable Michael Enzi
379A Senate Russell Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Enzi,
I write to you as the president of Interfaith Alliance, a national organization that celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground. I was troubled to hear that you have submitted amendment #C15 to the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009, which would ensure that conscience protections are applied in the healthcare reform bill.
When President Obama first took office he prevented a conscience protection clause from implementation. He understood that this type of clause placed religious beliefs ahead of the medical needs of patients, and could inhibit their access to medical care and information related to HIV, end-of-life, contraception and other health issues. This legislation does not move us forward as we try to improve health care in the United States.
Senator Enzi, why would you introduce an amendment that makes it more difficult for patients to receive treatment for and information about their health? Medical professionals and health care workers should serve their patients, not their own religious beliefs. For a governmental leader to confuse which is the top priority between those two is a great disservice to Americans of all faiths, who deserve the best, most comprehensive and accurate healthcare.
I recognize that your religious beliefs may have impacted your desire to introduce this amendment. As a Baptist minister, I understand the central role that faith may play in your life. But I urge you to remember that policies established by Congress are not to implement personal religious beliefs but to advance the public welfare, which includes the kind of health services that citizens receive. Please reconsider amendment #C15.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy
President, Interfaith Alliance
Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.