Don’t reverse policies protecting unborn, cardinal urges Obama

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON – It would be “a terrible mistake” for President-elect Barack Obama to reverse current policies on embryonic stem-cell research, conscience protection and other life-related matters, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops told him in a new letter.

Such actions “could introduce significant negative and divisive factors into our national life, at a time when we need to come together to address the serious challenges facing our people,” said Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago in a letter dated Jan. 16 and made public Jan. 19.

The letter came less than a week after Cardinal George sent another letter to President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Joseph Biden and each member of Congress outlining the bishops’ broad policy agenda as the new administration and Congress begin their work.

“I expect that some want you to take executive action soon to reverse current policies against government-sponsored destruction of unborn human life,” Cardinal George said. “I urge you to consider that this could be a terrible mistake – morally, politically and in terms of advancing the solidarity and well-being of our nation’s people.”