There’s no doubt about it – abortion has been at the forefront of the recent health care debate. One place where it’s become very heated is Rhode Island. Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) criticized U.S. bishops for not supporting health care reform that included federal funding of abortion. That prompted Kennedy’s bishop to shoot back – and that’s set off a firestorm of debate within the bigger debate.
It’s also brought into focus the Catholic bishops influence on health care policy. While some say the church should not be so closely involved in these debates, others say it’s both a right – and a duty – and that the church and its leaders have to speak up. At St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Midtown Manhattan, George Mason Law Professor Helen Alvaré – who was formerly pro-life spokesperson for U.S. bishops – spoke at the church’s annual St. Albert’s Day Lecture.