The "Mexico City Policy" was instituted by Ronald Reagan ("Life" Guard) in 1984 I believe. It stated that US funding for international "non-governmental" organizations could not spend these funds on advocating, promoting, or performing abortion (Yeah, Reagan!), but the fine line stipulates it can if it's for rape, incest, or life-threatening situations (Ugh, Reagan.).The problem with the fine line of this policy is that some of the countries receiving funding have laws in clear contradiction to this policy, i.e. abortion is illegal or against the country's religious tradition.
Of course, Bill Clinton rescinded this policy.
Of course, of course, when W took office, he issued an executive order to reinstate the policy. Yeah, W!
Senator Barbara Boxer (no surprise) moved to rescind this policy this month and it passed 53-41. The difference? Our "Gang of 16" Catholic brothers and sisters supporting Barbara Boxer's move:
Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
John Kerry (D-MA)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Praise be to God that W said he would veto it. Except for the war, are we positive he isn't Catholic?
Rev. Thomas Euteneur, Head of Human Life International, had this to say:
"At a time when these same politicians bewail America's standing in the world they vote to export death to nations that don't want it, in violation of those nations' religious traditions. They are the new 'ugly Americans' practicing imperialism at its worst."
