Dr. Charmaine Yoest: Passage of pro-life amendment, a victory for the pro-life Americans

"One victory does not mean the battle is won," said Dr. Charmaine Yoest.

In a vote of 240-194, the Stupak-Ellsworth-Pitts-Kaptur-Dahlkemper-Lipinski-Smith Amendment to prohibit abortion mandates and funding in HR 3962 passed on the House floor.

Americans United for Life Action President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest said, "The passage of this amendment is a victory for the pro-life Americans across this country who have flooded Congress this week with the message that abortion does not belong in health care. The bipartisan effort that led to its passage, under the leadership of Congressmen Bart Stupak and Joe Pitts, is a step toward a future where both political parties defend Life."

"One victory however does not mean the battle is won," Dr. Yoest continued. "We are deeply concerned by the rhetoric we heard today from Democratic leadership indicating an intention to subvert the bipartisan pro-life majority. We will remain vigilant in watching the final language of the Senate bill to ensure that pro-life protections remain in the final health care reform bill."

Americans United for Life also released an analysis expressing concerns over provisions in the health care reform bill, including those dealing with end of life and right of conscience issues.