"Funding programs that aim to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies is essential" -- Sen. Charles Schumer

Found this in my inbox today:

Dear Mrs. H_____:

Thank you for your letter opposing the health care reform that lacks a ban on federal funding for abortion.

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

Please do not respond to this email. To send another message please visit my website at http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm . Thank you.

_________________

My response:

Dear. Senator Schumer:

Why do you think it is important to reduce the number of abortions performed if you support abortion rights? Either they are acceptable or not - which is it, Senator?

You stated the following:

"...funding programs that aim to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies is essential."

Reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies begins before a pregnancy begins - not after. How does abortion reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, Senator? It only encourages further reckless behavior. It is not a method of birth control, sir. It is a method of genocide. It leaves women with life-long emotional scars knowing that they took the life of their own child. Most women who abort their child have done so several times. In a nation where it is a federal offense to trample a sea turtle egg, we encourage irresponsible sex and the subsequent killing of our children. Children that are wanted - desperately - by parents across the country. To pay for such an abomination in the name of every tax paying citizen in American is shameful.

I got it - abortion is legal in the U.S. That is painfully clear. Why must I pay for them? It is all blood money and you sir, should be ashamed. There is a reason that Americans are so displeased with Congress - you do what you want, how you want without any regard for the majority of your constituents. You are not the senator of NYC - you are a New York State Senator.

Sincerely,

Kelly

__________________________

The Senator on the issue of abortion:

• Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
• Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
• Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
• Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
• Voted NO on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
• Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
• Expand contraceptive services for low-income women. (May 2006)
• Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
• Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
• Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
• Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
• Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception. (Jan 2009)