Thank you for your letter opposing the inclusion of abortion coverage in the upcoming health care reform package.
As the father of two daughters, I share your deep respect for the sanctity of life and realize the importance of honoring one’s moral and religious heritage. I also value the freedom of all American citizens to base their personal choices on their own values and moral convictions. I also support measures that aim to reduce the number of abortions, and I believe that education and prevention are critical to achieving that.
The decision to have an abortion will never be an easy one, nor should it be. While I believe that every woman should have the right to make her own decision, in counsel with her physician, family, and religious adviser, I also believe that funding programs that aim to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies is essential.
Thank you for contacting me on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this or any other matter.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator