By David Waters
Confusion over whether and how government health-care reform will or should deal with abortion has resulted in an equally confusing war of words between Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Rhode Island Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
In an interview last Friday, Kennedy -- a Roman Catholic and son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, who spent much of his career pushing for health-care reform -- called U.S. Catholic bishops' concerns about the abortion issue a "red herring" that fans "the flames of dissent and discord." Kennedy added: "If the church is pro-life, then they ought to be for health-care reform, because it's going to provide health care that are going to keep people alive."
In a sharply-worded response, Tobin called Kennedy's position on the matter "irresponsible and ignorant of the facts . . . Congressman Kennedy continues to be a disappointment to the Catholic Church and to
the citizens of the State of Rhode Island. I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state."
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