WASHINGTON, (January 22, 1997) -- Cardinal Bernard Law, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, urged President Clinton to reconsider his position on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. In a letter, the Cardinal invited President Clinton to meet with him and with a knowledgeable physician to discuss the partial-birth procedure, about which the President has made several controversial statements.

The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, which would have outlawed the killing of partially delivered infants, passed both Houses of Congress last year but was vetoed by the President. The bill was reintroduced into the Senate on January 21.

Cardinal Law expressed the hope that with the reintroduction of the legislation in Congress, "time will not be wasted debating claims that have proven to be false."

President Clinton publicly defended his veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act by citing the claims of some women who said the procedure had saved their lives or future fertility. Cardinal Law reminded the President, however, that "the evidence that partial-birth abortion is never necessary to preserve a woman's health or fertility is overwhelming. I urge you to consult with the Physicians' Ad Hoc Coalition for Truth (PHACT), a group of nearly 400 physicians who have spoken out on this."

Cardinal Law also pointed out that the third-trimester abortion bill which Senator Tom Daschle intends to introduce--reportedly with the President's support--will prevent neither the partial-birth procedure nor late terms abortions generally.

Text of Cardinal Law's letter to President Clinton.

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