Action Alert from the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Less than a week after the election, the first battle over reproductive choice has begun. At stake is the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), the only pro-choice Republican on the committee, was expected to head the committee next year. Now, thousands of anti-choice activists are protesting his appointment. Pro-choice people of faith need to make their voices heard, quickly and effectively.
Specter set off a furor last week with an apparent warning to President Bush not to select Supreme Court nominees who oppose abortion rights. On Sunday, Specter clarified his statement. He said that he was merely recognizing the political fact that nominees who oppose abortion rights are likely to be defeated because the GOP does not have the 60 votes needed to break a Democratic filibuster.
Specter needs our support.
Call both your Senators at 202-224-3121 (the U.S. Capitol Switchboard) or call or email them directly. Their contact information is available on our website at www.rcrc.org. Just click on Legislative Action Center in the left hand column. Also call Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist at the same number. Here's a sample message:
I am a person of faith and a values voter. Because of my faith, I support religious freedom and reproductive choice. Therefore, I strongly protest any effort to punish Senator Specter, or deny him the chair of a committee, because of his views. I am hoping and praying that you will not do so.
Faith groups worked so well together during the campaign to energize people of faith, bring new people to the polls, and ensure that people would be allowed to vote. We must continue to build, and we need to act-quickly and effectively-at this time.
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice brings the moral power of religious communities to ensure reproductive choice through education and advocacy. The Coalition seeks to give clear voice to the reproductive issues of people of color, those living in poverty, and other underserved populations.
Website: http://www.rcrc.org
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-628-7700
