How Much Do You Know About FOCA?

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) has been around for a number of years. It's becoming a hot topic again because we now have a president who has openly, vocally, and frequently supported abortion rights.

I've said it before and I will say it again: I am unapologetically pro-life. I don't get into a whole lot of politics on this blog, but my pro-life stance is intricately linked with the topic of this site. While I certainly described myself as pro-life before my daughter was born, it was upon learning that some people thought it should have been MY right to terminate her at the point she came into this world that I became more radically pro-life. If you've read my birth story or seen the pictures of her in the early days, then you know she was, inarguably, a baby. No one can tell me otherwise...

FOCA would lead to changes in current abortion law. Changes that could easily result in many more abortions being performed. Here are some things you should be aware of:

1. FOCA could force taxpayers to pay for abortions. (By requiring they be covered by Medicaid, for one.)
2. FOCA requires all states to allow "partial birth" and other late-term abortions. (If you don't know what is involved in a partial birth abortion, please go here. If you want an "impartial" article about it, check out this one.)
3. FOCA strips parents of their right to be involved in their minor daughter's abortion decision.
4. FOCA seeks to eliminate informed consent laws.

As a pro-life woman, I'll openly admit that a lot of the research I do happens at pro-life sites. But, to be fair and informed, I went to NARAL Pro-Choice America to read up on this act as well. While the verbiage is different, the content is exactly the same. It was actually at the NARAL website that I was drawn to a triumphant headline announcing, "Obama restates his commitment to abortion rights". Less than 24 hours ago, on the 36th anniversary of the Roe v Wade landmark decision, our president spoke out:

On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work and to have no limits on their dreams," Obama said. "That is what I want for women everywhere."

It is this type of speech that has many pro-lifers like me worried that FOCA will be reintroduced in the 111th Congress sometime soon.

I don't want to see this bill pass. There's a part of me that thinks, "How could it? How could enough people really support these ideas?" But, in reality, it could. Too many people buy into the idea that abortions make life better for women. And it's best that we be aware of that and take what action we can.

I receive a weekly publication called The Catholic Moment. It should come as no surprise that this paper has a strong pro-life slant to it. Enclosed in yesterday's edition were postcards to send to our senators and representatives. You can bet mine will be in the mail today. You can find out more about this campaign here. If you'd like to make your voice heard as well, feel free to send a postcard or letter to your state senators and local representative with the following message:

"Dear Senator (Representative),

At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), the most radical and divisive pro-abortion bill ever introduced in Congress, would create a "fundamental right" to abortion that government could not limit but would have to support. FOCA would overturn many existing widely-supportd policies, including laws protecting parental involvement and conscience rights and those preventing partial-birth abortion and taxpayer funding of abortion.

Please oppose FOCA or any similar measure, and retain laws against federal funding and promotion of abortion. As your constituent, I would appreciate a written response telling me how you would vote on these matters.

Respectfully,

(Name and address)"

Just as it was my duty, privilege, and right to vote, it is my responsibility to make my voice heard when it is this important to me.

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What are your feelings about FOCA? Will anyone be joining me in the postcard campaign? Do you have other ideas for making your voice heard? I'd love to hear about it in the comments...