Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) on Saturday accepted President Obama's nomination to be HHS secretary, thus "stepping into a central role" in the administration's efforts to overhaul the U.S. health care system, the Washington Post reports (Fletcher/Connolly, Washington Post, 3/1). Abortion-rights opponents have "promise[d] a vigorous fight" against the nomination of Sebelius, a Roman Catholic who supports abortion rights, the AP/Yahoo! News reports. According to the AP/Yahoo! News, antiabortion-rights groups said that while they would "probably be uncomfortable with nearly anyone" Obama nominated, they are "particularly upset" about Sebelius (Hanna, AP/Yahoo! News, 2/27). Sebelius has "endured fierce and often personal criticism" from abortion-rights opponents, largely because of her vetoes of antiabortion measures. A recent veto led the archbishop of Kansas City to ask Sebelius to stop taking Holy Communion (Washington Post, 3/1).
Sebelius would have "considerable influence" over government policies affecting abortion as head of HHS, the New York Times reports. The governor has said that she personally opposes abortion, but she has "consistently defended" abortion rights in Kansas, a state "where the antiabortion movement can be fierce," the Times reports. Sebelius has vetoed antiabortion measures almost every year since becoming governor, including bills that would have allowed relatives to petition a court to stop some abortions and required the licensing of abortion clinics (Sack, New York Times, 3/2).
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said Sebelius is an "extremely pro-abortion" choice for HHS secretary who, as an elected official in Kansas, has "fought against popular pro-life measures" like parental consent and restrictions on abortions later in pregnancy. Perkins also charged that Sebelius "has had a close personal and financial association" with Kansas abortion provider George Tiller, who faces charges of violating state requirements on performing post-viability abortions. Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, said that the nomination shows the "radical nature of Obama," adding that Operation Rescue will reach out to senators about a connection between Sebelius and Tiller. Patrick Mahoney -- executive director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said that he has contacted many social conservatives about creating an opposition strategy to the nomination. Mahoney said that although it would be difficult to block Sebelius' nomination in the Democratic-controlled Senate, the pick would hurt Obama's popularity with Catholic voters.
Sebelius has "won backing" from several abortion-rights groups who say that her actions as Kansas governor have reduced the number of abortions in the state. Chris Korzen, executive director of Catholics United, said Sebelius is a "proven and tireless advocate for children's health care, education, adoption and support for pregnant women, all components of a public policy agenda intended to benefit the common good." He added, "Under her leadership, the state of Kansas has witnessed sharp declines in both abortions and teen pregnancy" (Wilson, The Hill, 3/1). Beth Martino, a spokesperson for Sebelius, said that the abortion rate in Kansas was 9% lower in 2007 than in 2002, the year before Sebelius took office.
According to the AP/Yahoo! News, a "major reason" for antiabortion groups' criticism of Sebelius concerns an April 2007 reception at the governor's residence that Tiller and his staff attended. Tiller, at the time, was under investigation by the Kansas attorney general for allegedly violating state abortion laws. Martino said Tiller purchased the right to attend the reception through a fundraising event for an abortion-rights group. Ron Pollack -- executive director of the health reform advocacy group Families USA, which supports Sebelius' nomination -- said the Tiller reception is unlikely to be a significant issue for Obama. He said both Sebelius and Obama "believe that they want to do whatever they can to minimize abortion," while following "the rulings of the Supreme Court, and that's the law of the land."
Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO of Americans United for Life Action, said Sebelius' "very close association" with Tiller is what has drawn the criticism, "not just that she has a pro-abortion rights viewpoint." Susan Fani, spokesperson for the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, said, "This is a whole different level. That someone who's so radical on this issue could be chosen is mind-boggling to us" (AP/Yahoo! News, 2/27).
Office of Health Reform
Sebelius' nomination comes after former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) -- Obama's No. 1 pick for the position -- withdrew his nomination amid controversy over unpaid taxes. An Obama administration source said it is unlikely that Sebelius will also fill the role of director of the White House Office of Health Reform, a position Daschle created for himself. The Post reports that one possible choice for that role is Nancy-Ann DeParle, a former Clinton administration adviser, who would "take over the effort to conceive, sell and implement a wide-ranging health care overhaul" (Washington Post, 3/1).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
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