Getting it

We have made great hay over the past few weeks knocking supposed pro-life supporters for outright opposing the health bill or trying to play hardball on the health care bill in a manner that they say will result in the death of health reform if they don't get their way. "How can one oppose something that will have lives, hundreds of thousands of lives, and still call themselves pro-life" the question typically goes.

But, these people, mostly the Stupak-ers in the House led by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, would rather make a dishonest point over arcane wording in a health bill that already moves to put greater restrictions on women deciding what they want to do with their own bodies then actually contribute to saving actual people's actual lives.

But it seems that one pro-life organization seems to understand that and realizes how important it is for a cause allegedly committed to life to support a bill that helps save lives. Unsurprisingly, it's the Catholic organization that actually deals with health care: the Catholic Hospital Association.

A group representing Catholic hospitals Saturday rallied behind President Barack Obama's health care bill ahead of a House vote in which anti-abortion lawmakers could play a decisive role.

The chief executive of the Catholic Health Association, Carol Keehan, wrote on the group's Web site that although the legislation isn't perfect, it represents a "major first step" toward covering all Americans and would make "great improvements" for millions of people. The more than 600 Catholic hospitals across the country do not provide abortions as a matter of conscience.
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''We are trying to respect other people's conscience and views,'' she said. ''But we also weigh in with our conscience and views. We think this bill is a good first step to health care reform.''

Their full statement is here. They were also joined by the Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, who released their own letter supporting the plan.

Who knew that rationally looking at what's in the bill, not resorting to dishonest political grandstanding, not lying, and calmly voicing support for a measure which saves lives was going to become a part of the pro-life movement? Or should I say, part of a small section of the pro-life movement. Well done.