The Unresponsive Congressman

In April, 2005, pro-lifers began to reach out to 7th District Congressman Curt Weldon in an effort to encourage him to cosponsor the Right to Life Act, HR552. At that time, the bill had 47 cosponsors, the number has now grown to 89, including 5 Representatives from Pennsylvania.

Those who called his office were told he would reply with a letter in 2 or 3 weeks, but that letter took 6 months to be sent. The form letter received expressed some vague platitudes about "protecting the rights of unborn" and they're being "our most precious gifts" and boasted about the "major victory" achieved with the signing into law of the Partial Birth Abortion Bill. It is not a ban - it contains an exception for "the life of the mother". And, since it only restricts this particular technique, it will not stop one, single abortion! The abortionist will simply use another technique. In the letter, Rep. Weldon made no commitment to cosponsor the Right to Life Act, nor did he explain why.

During the six months pro-lifers waited for a reply, many called his office weekly, emailed him, asked for a meeting (no appointments were ever scheduled) and picketed his office several times. They were also present at an appearance he made at a local bookstore to promote his book on terror. One pro-lifer challenged Rep. Weldon on his flawed position of approving of abortion in the cases of rape, incest and life of the mother. He did not deny his position but retorted, "Have you looked at my record?"

We did.

It's really not that good at all. It is definitely not 100% pro-life as some have stated. On the website Project Vote Smart, Rep. Weldon is listed as supporting the interests of Planned Parenthood 9% of the the time in 2001, 1999 and from 1995 - 2003. He also is listed as voting for the preferred position of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association 7% of the time. The bills dealt with population control, embryonic research and contraceptive funding…issues of great importance to the pro-life cause.

Efforts to gain Rep. Weldon's help with the Right to Life Act continue and recently included a March on January 22nd, 2006 to his office and the delivery of 2,114 signatures on a petition urging him to become a cosponsor. To date, no reply or response has been received.

All this leads one to ask, if this is how the Congressman who is supposed to represent us treats us,... is he really "ProLife"?