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US prelate, Vatican officials criticize Mexico City Policy reversal; President says debate divisive, �fruitless�
Catholic Culture - Mexico City Policy reversal
Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the US bishops' committee on pro-lifeaActivities, issued a statement on Friday criticizing President Barack Obama�s decision to reverse the Mexico City Policy. �It is very disappointing that President Obama has reversed the Mexico City Policy, which prevents US funding of organizations that perform and promote abortion as a family planning method in developing nations,� Cardinal Rigali said. �An Administration that wants to reduce abortions should not divert US funds to groups that promote abortions.�

President Barack Obama on Saturday issued a statement criticizing debate on the policy as divisive and fruitless. �For too long, international family planning assistance has been used as a political wedge issue, the subject of a back and forth debate that has served only to divide us. I have no desire to continue this stale and fruitless debate,� he said. �It is time that we end the politicization of this issue.�

The President's decision to reverse US policy is certainly unfortunate, at best, but not unexpected. Elections have consequences and this is one of them. Natasha

He said all along he would do reverse the policy. He did.

I find it troubling that President Obama wants no debate on this issue. It reminds me of when Govenor Casey of PA was shut out of the 92 Democratic Convention because he wanted to insist that there was a place for Pro-Life Democrats.

Obama said on another occasion that he didn't want a debate on something or other. After he said it I mentioned to a friend that Americans complain and bicker about everything and that it is our right to do so. He needs to pay attention.

Obama wants to remove the right of medical professionals not to participate in abortions. People like my husband, an anesthetist, would not have the ability to opt out.

He's doing everything he can to do so too. He should listen to what Jefferson said, "your freedom ends where my nose begins."