CNN

As a Christian woman I believe in the sanctity of human life. I also believe that God can make something good out of anything. I think that Christians should live their lives in a way that glorifies God – loving God and others. If we spent as much time, money and energy reaching out to the women, and men, who are affected by unwanted pregnancies in a loving manner as so many do in trying to browbeat, harm and control them I believe we could truly do more to reduce the number of abortions performed. I want any abortion performed to be done legally with the safety of the mother the primary concern. That does not make me pro abortion.

women, if you wants all women in this country to have a say about your bodies, vote these racists on the right out office .

Gotta love that Catholic Church – run by MEN WHO DON'T HAVE SEX telling the rest of the world what to do. That is not a matter of FAITH – it's mind control.

I agree with "OH PLEASE" – she's not voting for squat here people.

@David March 2nd, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Another Dem-Catholic that knows nothing about their faith. Where do all these Catholics for Killing come from?????

****************************

Didn't the Catholic Church kill with impunity during the inquisition?

Sebelius is my gov. and she has been a good one, liked my most Kansans. I am so SICK of the pro fetus fringe. The seem to care nothing for health care for children. I can not call them pro life because they don't seem to care for any life other than the unborn. I am so sick of people forcing their beliefs on others. These hypocrites need to ask themselves what they call killing innocent children in Iraq. Oh yes, that is called War and that killing is Ok, even if it was an unjust war. These people are nuts, I had to live through 1992 "Summer of Mercy" when these wierdos laid their babies and children on 119 degree pavement of 4 lane US Hwy 54 to stop traffic in front of an abortion clinic. That is called child abuse and the state child protective services had to step in and threaten to take their children in order to keep their children from harm. What kind of sicko would do this. Separation of Church and State! Sebelius is qualified.

This to me is really sad because I lived in Kansas for 2 years and was very much impressed with Gov. Sebelius and the way she ran the state. In fact my wife and I were in the adoption process there at one point (we put it on hold b/c she is now pregnant) and they had some of the most impressive adoption laws there. It was friendly both to the mother giving up her child for adoption and those wishing to adopt. And her policies have helped to greatly reduce abortions in Kansas. I know she is against it personally but understands the law and the constitution and did the right thing vetoing those bills.

She is a bright Lady and I think that she will get broad support in the senate. She has already garnered praise from Sam Brownback & Pat Roberts who are staunch conservatives and they will get votes of moderates like Snow, Collins, Specter, and Lugar. My guess is others will vote to confirm her as well. People need to realize that moderate democrats like Sebelius (and Bill Clinton) have done more to reduce abortions than any Republican.

Abortion is a choice. If you don't like it, don't make it.

But until this government also outlaws war — don't come crying around about killing the unborn. I'm more worried about keeping the currently born alive… and, I might add… well.

We need to focus on prevention not abortion. Abortion makes us all murderers. Lelt's take a look at the nursing homes. These people have heartbeats but they are not capable of helping themselves. Why dont we just kill them? You know why? They have heartbeats. They're alive. A baby is unseen and is in teh mother's womb, but it is ALIVE. That's the problem!!!

You mean to say Obama's HHS Secy will follow Obama's position on choice? This is shocking news. If people wanted the government to decide a woman's personal decisions they would have elected GOP leader Rush Limbaugh.

To Yen...

I watched a video and in South America, a nurse practiced illegal abortions. The woman she helped died and they found out about her and jailed her. Later, somehow, she found God and God told her that abortion was wrong. She never performed another abortion again. Once that h eart starts beating, I think it has a Spirit adn God watches over it.

Dobson and others of his ilk are nothing more than Terrorists! Y'know people, terrorism is currently being perpetrated on our soil by our fellow countrymen. They are called right-wing republicans, and they are just as bad as The Taliban and Al Queda. Aim high America!

um... I beleive that this "litmus" test has been tried and failed in the past. You cannot hold up someone's appointment based on their position on abortion. They can whine and complain about someone's position on the issue, but you cannot do much more than that because it's not illegal. Voting them down on that point would be extrememely irresponsible and open them up for one helluva backlash.

@John

Someday you will believe.

@JFK

You don't think killing babies is an important issue? How sad when the sanctity of life is just reduced to a political issue with no moral attachment. I feel sorry for those who still don't see the light. Some day you will. Everyone will.

This is really a stretch, CNN. The Republicans will be sooooo happy to get her out of the 2010 senate race, they will be falling all over themselves to get her confirmed. This is a no brainer. Yeah, some loonies on the right will bring up the abortion issue (don't they always?), but it will not be an obstacle for her confirmation.

We have let Church and State collide. And look at the mess we are in today. We are finding out quickly just what was important and what is not.

Don't let her pro-choice stance distract from her record of failure as governor of Kansas! Why does politics in our country demote up?

Why is the Catholic Church's opinion more important than any other church? Most people are for abortions rights.....another Republican tactic with no substance.

John – Get a clue and read your Bible. Perhaps you've heard of "Thou shalt not kill"?

Any Catholic that votes for democrats votes against their own religion.

No More Far right Religious nuts Needed Been there done that ENOUGH!

This is a democracy not a theocracy. This is America not Iran. We don't need archbishops telling us how to run the country.

How many czars do you think President Lincoln had?

If underage it is between her parents and God. For a woman it is between her and her God. Who is mr. so and so to say anything. Stop!!!!

a godless nominee from a godless president. we get what we deserve.

Gee, this would not be payback for stabbing Hillary in the back during the primaries would it??!

Imagine no religion.... mmm. Puts a smile on my face...

By focusing on abortion during a serious recession Republicans are ensuring another defeat in 2010.

What ever happened to the concept of Seperation of Church and State?

Why is this even an issue??? Who cares?

I applaud Gov. Sibelius' efforts and success to reduce unwanted pregnancy. It's the only way forward.

This is why I never will support a Republican. Abortion does not belong in our politics but with a woman and her doctor. Just like gay rights does not belong in our politics either. There is a simple solution to these problem: if you do not want an abortion then do not have one but do not tell others not to. If you do not like gay rights then stay away from gay people. Republicans do not want Gov. when it comes to helping people out like health care or education but they insist on the Gov. being involved in abortion/gay rights issues.

Conservatives...you lost. Intelligence won over ignorance.

Marty, how about recognizing that individuals don't have the right to legislate their own personal religious beliefs into the laws of the land?

Why is it that conservatives always confuse the abortion with a women's right to choose? For instance, I do not support abortion, but I do believe a woman should have the right to choose. There is a difference, but yet the repugs will have you believe that I support abortions. Also, they never connect freedom with abortion...why is that especially since they harp on independence and small government. Isn't outlawing abortion a form of big government and anti-independence. What HYPOCRITS!!!

so they support the feedes before birth but after birth no health care.............. they build their mega churches on hipocracy, millions are spent on politics, but nothing to feed hungry humans in africa....south america.... even in the united states.....

How about no ideology in politics?

I've had it with religious political wackos. You've had 8 years to implement your ideologies under Bush, and mightily whiffed. It's time to set dogma and idelology in the deep freeze, and get down to business.

Another Dem-Catholic that knows nothing about their faith. Where do all these Catholics for Killing come from????? Maybe they should start by reading the bible and quit the Catholic Church if they disagree. We have too many cafeteria Catholics!

I think that her beliefs about abortion are pertinent to her job. It is health issue (the health of the woman and the health of the murdered baby).

Obama is a Liberal, which makes him mentally ill.

What decision has Obama made that is right? Try none.

When you walk with Satan and think wrong is right? You are in serious trouble. That is what Liberals do.

Wouldn’t it just be best to give every citizen and might as well every illegal 1,000,000 each. I can definately stimulate the economy.

Remember during the campaign Obama refused to take a stand on this. "above my pay grade" he said.

Anyone else tired of this preppy wise guy approach to politics?

"My Catholic faith teaches me that all life is sacred, and personally I believe abortion is wrong," she said then. "However, I disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing women and their doctors is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of abortions in our nation."

-----------------------------–

Perfectly said, Gov Sebelius!

WHO CARES IF RELIGOUS PEOPLE DISAGREE WITH ABORTION?

SEPERATION OF CHURCH & STATE!!!!!

IF WE WANTED RELIGION TO CONTROL US WE WOULD STILL BE BRITISH.

How can Republicans claim to not want big government, when they want government in the most intimate parts of our lives - how I understand and make decisions about my sexual health?

Sounds like hypocrisy to me.... you can't have it both ways.

No one thinks that abortions are super great - but sometimes its a necessary decision for the health (mental, emotional, physical) of the mother and/or the child.

@ Marty: Governor Sebelius believes that education, not criminalization, is the better approach. Education about birth control, NOT abstinence "education" -> fewer unwanted pregnancies -> fewer abortions.

Nice horrible analogies though.

How can Republicans claim to not want big government, when they want government in the most intimate parts of our lives - how I understand and make decisions about my sexual health?

Sounds like hypocrisy to me.... you can't have it both ways.

No one thinks that abortions are super great - but sometimes its a necessary decision for the health (mental, emotional, physical) of the mother and/or the child.

If you hate America, defeat us
Like Obama grinning to greet us
nominate a commie like Sebelius
To suck brains from an unborn fetus

What a Country!!!

what is this.....the dark ages??

give me a break

WHAT A COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS THIS, THE DARK AGES??

What those pro-life yahoos fail to realize is that good healthcare and a good economy would reduce the number of abortions more than overturning Roe v. Wade would (see 2008 Catholics United study). Therefore, having a smart and effective head of HHS is a lot more important than finding some myopic one-issue zealot who would do more harm than good.

I wonder if the pro-life movement understands that they are actively increasing abortion rates by promoting far-right-wing politicians.

Catholic faith? what is that? Who cares? What is about my faith??

Remember the Rethugs do not have the votes to defeat anything.

They need to just relax and watch the master (Barack) at work. The country will be much the better for it when everything begins to work as he has said it should.

Abortion, guns, gays, just say no, - they are completely out of any new ideas.

Marty, if you want consistency, get out of the political kitchen! Politicians have no point of view of their own, it's all about what will get them re-elected. Death to the career politician!!!

Marty you are just as most people in this great country. Tyring to compare completely different things to get a shock answer for your own agenda of beliefs. This is simple. A women's body is her body to take care of in a mannor of good health. Doctors are to do no harm to human life under there care. And for the clincher folks.. the preception of life begins differently for different people.

No Law can cover these facts perfectly so please think openly.

during the campaign we all understand how it is impossible to please everyone. For that matter, I say.....You go GAL!

As our last great (NOT) leader said it so succinctly “Bring It On!”

This is one of the main reasons I stopped voting for Republicans. They who say they don’t want to control our lives do exactly that when they try to control my daughter’s lives directly. Who are they to say what they can or can not do with their OWN bodies? They want every child to be born, as I do also, but look the other way when these children need education, food, or health care.

Their only concern in Health care is that the insurance and pharmaceutical companies come first. They claim the Democrat’s want to control over us but it is the Republican’s and their radical religious right that want to directly control our bodies in both life and death. They talk of responsibility and life but who has bankrupted our country and killed ten of thousands in Iraq

So if they want to take on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, then ”Bring It On!”

I believe that alcoholism is a horrible thing. Making alcohol consumption illegal was a failure. Prohibition was repealed. Abortions occurred before Roe vs Wade and will occur if it is abolished. The conditions will be less safe so more mothers will die with their children. Since it will be illegal, we won't have statistics to measure

If only the Catholic league would be so vocal in supporting the ' born' . The trail of abused children at the hands of priests is diabolical.

And once again the right fights against the most basic rights of half of this country's population.

I had 8 years of Bush stomping on my ovaries, this is a democracy, and it is OUR turn to treat women as human beings for a change instead of walking baby factories being kept deliberately ignorant by churches we are NOT a part of who have insinuated themselves into schools and museums.

All hail the separation of church and state!

So a woman who does not want to bear her child is a murderer? You sir or madame are truly diseased. Keep your hands and thoughts out of women's wombs, and go find something useful to control which is within your authority and right to control–the womb of a woman belongs to her–not you. Keep your dirty fingers out of there.

A womans right to choose is HER right. The religious have no business trying to make their religion into law. I hope that the religious see beyond their religion and choose whats right for everyone but I doubt that will happen.

Personally, I'm just glad he chose a Democrat. He's not been having the best luck with the Republicans.

Marty, marty, marty....................Nice engagement in circular logic. Why not just say what you mean?
So further proof that the republican party has nothing but the same old guns, god, abortion and taxes arguments? They have been at these same 4 points since I was in grade school (1980) with ronnie rayguns at the helm. People still own guns, still get to go to the church of their choice, still pay taxes and still get abortions. It seems that they have not actually gotten anything acomplished other than lowering the taxes on the rich in the past 28 years. GO Team.....hahaha

No matter where she stands on abortion, she is incompetent to lead the HHS. That incompetence makes her a perfect fit for this administration.

Well Marty,

Studies have shown that, no, legal punishment is not a deterrent to those that want to commit a theft or a homicide.

Please bring this woman into office. As a woman I am sick and tired of having MY health be considered frivolous and medical treatments being judged by somebody else's moral standards.

If you don't believe in abortion, then DON'T HAVE ONE.

The religious right repeatedly tries to deny me my most basic and NECESSARY medications on their false morals. Yes, necessary, as in without birth control pills them I get giant painful cysts. But what does the religious right care, it isn't as if females are human...

What a commonsensical position for Sebilius to take. Great.

YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT GOV. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS,

Another high quality executive with relevant experience and clearly ready to bring CHANGE. And thank you President Obama for bringing another women to the forefront of national leadership.

Notice the sign on her podium states "reclaiming the American Dream". Apparently abortion as form of birth control is now an American dream to be reclaimed.

What a headline. Abortion is part of the resume; and a big one at that. Marty makes a good analagy. However, it doesn't address the real issue. That is, liberals and conservatives differ when it comes to the definition of abortion:
Conservative: Abortion is the taking of a human life.
Liberal: Abortion is? Contraception? Self defense? If self defense I agree that a woman has a right to kill the baby before it kills her. Otherwise, no right should exist to kill the baby.

Instead of calling Pro-choice people "pro-abortion", I think the more appropriate thing would be to call the pro-life people "Anti-choice".

Because really.. not many people are pro-abortion.. they just feel it should be the woman's choice what to do with her own body.

Now... since abortion is legal.. this should not in any way be a hindrance to Kathy... nor should it be an issue to disqualify anyone from office. Abortion should be a personal issue, not a political issue.

It's time to tell the Anti-Choice people that this is America, and in America we have the freedom of Choice.

Marty: I believe a majority of people disagree with clogging our legal system with something like this. If you want to charge a rape victim of murder, for not wanting the rape baby then is it possible that you and the pro-life groups of our fine nation foot the bill for her time in court and jail? Does this sound like something our failing economic system can handle? Yea, lets pack our legal system and our jails with a bunch of good for nothing women who decided their bodies are their own.
Good lord, we are doomed!

Reading the articles and the blogs that follow proves only one thing Americans are not smart enough to be a world leader. While your country implodes like Rome, countries like China are sitting back laughing. When the dust settles they will walk in and take over, without a shot being fired.

Get up off your knees you foolish christian zealots. In a few hundred years, those who study history will look at our culture just like we look at the Gods named Mars, Mercury, and Venus. I'm glad that not everyone will be seen as delusional zealots from the religions that grew out from the middle east, and Africa.

A Catholic is someone who believes in and holds as true all the teachings of Christ and his Church, striving to live them out. You are not a millionaire unless you have a million dollars. You are not a Catholic unless you do the above things.

Ms. Sebelius, you are not a Catholic. You are a public heretic, and as such, you have excommunicated yourself, latae sententiae.

The bishop was right to publically deny you the Body of Christ in holy communion, communion which you have thrown away by your heresy.

There is no consistency in the extreme religious groups that would stone women in the town square for birth control. Let alone abortion. It's time to move on and remove the reason for tremination of an unwanted,planned, etc pregency.

Unfortunately they have no solutions to move forward.

So what? She won't be voting on the issue of abortion anyway. As a matter of fact, she won't be voting on anything. What year are we living in anyway, when we disregard a person's actual qualifications for whether they personally agree with our religious beliefs? Get a clue and leave her alone.

Why is it that the loudest voices against a woman's right to choose belong too men. When men can have a menstrual cycle, preferably for 3 summer months then you may join the conversation on abortion until then please keep your nose out of my uterus. My body, my choice.
Mrs. Sebelius can have her personal views on abortion, however she realizes as a public servant she governs all people, she can think abortion is wrong, but she should not push her views on others. It's one of the perks of a free society.

Did anyone actually expect that a Democratic President would appoint an anti-choice person as Secretary of Health and Human Services?

How about comparing apples to apples marty?

Here we go again the Super Regilious right Catholics who let Priests molest children, ruining their lives and getting away with it for years, they said nothing until finally Law enforcement agency got involved. The United States have more than just one issue, decision like this belong to the Women, her doctor and her own beleif. Lets talk about poverty, health care etc. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of these one issue Holier than thou people.

Market is down 211 points thanks to the “CHANGE” offered by our Appeaser in Chief,Obama Pork Laden.

For freedom to exist we need good morals to be present!!! Something the democrats dont have. That’s why the United States is on the road to failure.

Marty boy, you're taking this out of context.

I heard when she was nominated and CNN was quick to point her negatives. what kind of world are we living in?

Typical politician. Liar. But she shows the new wave of talking about the subject as if you can believe one way but condone another. I am never surprised at how stupid politicians think we are. This is an insult to my intelligence.

Marty, how many times have I told you to stop watching Fox news?!

Get Over IT< PLEASE!

This country turning into a Taliban rule country? DICTATED laws and rules conjured up by the male species!

When are we going to stop giving the hatchet to the lives of the female race?
Lets turn that hatchet on the men that produce the sex crave world and do not take the responsibility of putting a knot in it, snipping it, or start taking the birth control pill/needle or any other step on keeping their seed neutral?

When their GOD in HELL freezes over, therefore we won't hold our breath!

OH NO, here we go again. I just wish someone would have the spine to say, a women's right to choose is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!! Enough. Repubs, stay out of women's health issues and stay out of peoples bedrooms. This is the party that states they are "small government" then tries to tell everyone what to do and how to behave. And doesn't have any problem what so ever in sending your children off to war. Enough.

So she is personally against abortion which is her right and basically saying that each person must make a judgement call. People are not obligated to others when they make a decision, the only one they will have to answer to is the Almighty. Let this issue be between the person and their God. I cannot judge someone on their actions. I have been on both sides of this issue and believe me, people have to realize their are circumstances in people's lives that cause them to do things. Let's worry about this woman's qualifications and her agenda for our country.

A woman's body is hers not the government's, let she that is carrying, make the decision. Ideology aside.

Wonder how many of the old Republican white guys, still in politics, paid for back alley abortions for their girlfriends in the past. We will never know.

Hey conservatives, how about we tend more to our own children from having children instead of inflicting your personal values on the rest of the world. Do you hear me Sarah Palin.

Rush is an ugly person inside and out. When will you people understand that?

GOP should stay out of women uterus.
Bush was president and there was still abortion going on in the country.
why not trying to bring numbers down.
no matter what happens, doctors will always have their free will to peform it or not to perfom it.
decreasing the practice is the key. condons, abstinence etc...

All these –so-called Christians- didn't care about Obama's record of on abortions, they voted him in–what did they expect?

Once again, the so-called religious right wants to obscure the real issues and focus on dividing the Country. Enough!

The Catholic Church doesn't have much credibility when it comes to the subject of children, born or unborn.

Abortion is obviously a hot button issue. However, this issue should not dominate the confirmation hearings. Some one who is antichoice can not be made to change their mind it is something they believe in deeply. (ironically many antichoice are pro death penalty) They will take any opportunity to push forward their agenda. The HHS position is not the place for this debate. Let's get someone in there who can help with health inusrance. Let the preaching be done at another time.

Abortion is legal in our nation.

Before it was legal, back room abortionist killed more woman through infection and uncontrolled bleeding than can be counted.

Individuals were required to go overseas to seek medical treatment that was not "available" in the United States.

I have no intention of ever getting an abortion. I will not stand in the way of any individual that sees the need for this medical treatment.

It is of no buisness of any individual in this nation what medical treatments another individual seeks.

Mind your own, and stop trying to impose your faith and morality to others that neither want it, nor seek it.

All these –so-called Christians- didn't care about Obama's record of voting to let babies born alive during abortions–die, they voted him in–what did they expect?

What can you except from an ugly person, with an ugly mind and an ugly attitude. He really makes you guys look bad. Actually he makes the whole party look like a bunch of fools.

This is the kind of garbage that drags down our system, our communities, and our government. We have more important things to do with our time and our elected officials time. Get her confirmed and move on to the more important issues.

Marty – the problem here is that women who want abortions are going to get themselves abortions any way they can, even if it means going to a back-alley "doctor" who uses dirty instruments, and then not telling anybody when they get sick because they'd be put in jail. Read up on your history to get the full context of why making abortions illegal doesn't work so well.

Actually, your mention of criminalizing thieves is pretty good, now that I think about it. Yes, stealing is bad, but what if there were a whole lot of people stealing food so they wouldn't starve? You wouldn't put the lot of them in jail–you'd want to fix the reason they were starving in the first place.

I thought there was a division between church and state in this country. True everyone is entitled to their opinion but when the reservations about the qualifications about a person recommended for a position in government are SOLELY based on religious dogma then somthing is really wrong here. And then we wonder why our political leaders, those making generation altering decisions, are all a bunch of morons. Someone, who agrees with your religious beliefs but cannot think his or her way out of a paper bag , is suddenly put in a decision making position over things they are neither qualified for nor want to understand. They are then at the mercy of their support staff or worse the support staff of their party's leadership when VOTING on something that affects not only this nation but in some cases the world. THAT is how you get decisions made solely along party lines. And this is true of both democrats and republicans. This is why we have a total space case as Speaker of the House, an out of touch old man as Senate Majority leader and Congressional leadership of the Republican Party unable to agree on anything. They were all put in office via a popularity contest style election because they supported ONE issue important to the slim majority in their district. And no one CARED to look into their qualifications on solving the major issues facing this nation.

Thank god she is pro abortion, and pro common sense. Let's not let these child molesting psycho conservative priests dictate our free government! Seperation of Church and State, Mccain did not win! The American people have voted!

I don't understand why abortion is such a big deal in politics. The women who undergo such procedures don't do it for fun, and it's rarely done in late pregnancy. It's a traumatic, unhappy experience.

I can tell you from first-hand OR experience than many people who are rabidly against them for others are quick to choose this surgery when it's their underage daughter who is pregnant, or a deformed fetus has been discovered.

I guess when God, guns and gays aren't working, it's time to dust off the old abortion card.

So the Catholic League states the fine Govenor is "an enemy of the unborn."

Who do these people think they are-God?????

Don't care what her personal opinions are. If she is qualified she should get it.

Amazing how these "good Catholic" politicians (Joe Biden, Gov. Sebelious, etc.) really put up a political fight to support laws which stop a beating heart. What great Catholics!

Typical...I would question the archbishops of Kansas City on how many have been accused of covering up child abuse and how much they have paid to make the cases go away. perverts

""Sebelius' support for abortion is so far off the charts that she has been publicly criticized by the last three archbishops of Kansas City," Donohue said in a statement."

Ok, so let's think this through for a minute...

In 2002, there were 854,122 abortions in the US. That seems like a high number, right?

Well.... considering that in the same year, 2,625,457 pregnancies ended with miscarriages not caused by human intervention – not so much.

So your God, who supposedly controls when and how we all die, actually kills more fetuses(fetai?) than humans do in the US in an average year via miscarriages

So it would seem that this man's anti-choice stance would make him against God....

So, the real question is, Why is Bill Donahue -the Catholic League President – against God?

Typical...I would question the archbishops of Kansas City on how many have been accused of covering up child abuse and how much they have paid to make the cases go away.

I think Sebelius is a fantastic choice! To have someone who understands the difference between personal conviction and what's right for this country and the health of her citizens... it's overwhelming in an awesome kind of way. I hope her nomination turns out fruitful, and by the looks of it, we may have yet another intelligent member of the Cabinet to look forward to.

Good luck, Kathleen! We're all rooting for you!

Oh, please. Women have been having abortions for thousands of years. It's not going to stop happening just because some wack-jobs who don't give a crap about the babies once they're born and who don't want people to use birth control so the babies would never be conceived in the first place, want it to! Women will just have to do it themselves, and DIE in the process!
Let's be realistic and teach people about responsible sexual practices, instead, eh?
Isn't that common ground we can all agree on?
Leave the poor woman alone.

Every opposition, every confrontation, every "no" from the GOP is costing them seats in 2010. I don't think they know that yet.

I know Sebelius (and most women) don't think abortion is a great idea and nifty-keen method of birth control. However, allowing women who chose it – for reasons we dont' know and whose shoes we don't walk in – to be mutilitated and even killed by back-alley abortionists isn't exactly an act of loving kindness, either. The government needs to allow women to make this difficult decision. Either way, it must cause God great grief and pain to see his people hate and hurt each other in this way.

No one is, like lets abort babies. This Pro-Abortion tag is the right wings effort to control the sexual aspects of our lives. Remember it was just recently that the Pope Ok'd condoms to stop the spread of aids in Africa. This whole notion that you can't be against abortion and be Pro-Choice is crazy.

"My Catholic faith teaches me that all life is sacred, and personally I believe abortion is wrong," she said then. "However, I disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing women and their doctors is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of abortions in our nation."

I have to say....THAT is some of the best double-talk I've ever heard! She'll make a wonderful politician.

Doesn't anyone have a backbone anymore? Doesn't anyone ever stand up for their beliefs anymore? Is it really only about power, position, and money?

Whether I believe what someone else believes is irrelavant. I just don't have any respect for anyone who won't stand up for their beliefs!

She states:
"I disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing women and their doctors is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of abortions in our nation."

So does she also-disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing theives is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of robberies in our nation."?

Or does she also-disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing murderers is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of homicides in our nation."?

How about a little consistency in our ideology?

You cannot be a Catholic and a democrat today. Pick one or the other.

I wish these jesus freaks and religious nut cases would just give it up already.

Question: Do the GOPers and fundies REALLY believe she's going to run around advocating that everyone should have at least one abortion, that it should be on everyone's "to do" list and shoul dbe taken lightly, like popping a few ibuprofen after a night of drinking...and that hey, go out an have unprotected sex all the time with random people and don't worry about?

Answer: No. They don't believe that for a second. But to further their own agenda, they will tell you that she believes that and will promote that viewpoint.

"Sebelius' support for abortion is so far off the charts that she has been publicly criticized by the last three archbishops of Kansas City,"

Yeah I don't know if that's the most objective trio out there.

Did they really think that President Obama would nominate someone for this position who wasn't pro choice??

HOLOCAST OF THE UNBORN IN OUR LIFETIME-------
AND WE HAVE NO VOICE TO OPPOSE IT. SOUNDS LIKE NAZI
PARTY STUFF TO ME-------ARE WE ALL DUMB AND BLIND,
GUESS SO, IF WE LET THIS HAPPEN.

NAM VET NH

well i guess she paid her taxes ,,,,,,thats is a plus even thought she doesnt practice her faith......light weight

"Sebelius' support for abortion is so far off the charts that she has been publicly criticized by the last three archbishops of Kansas City,"

Wow, it must be REALLY off the charts for three archbishops to criticize her... What a powerful statement.

I'm sick of these Dems who say that they personally feel abortion is wrong, then go on to back it. They are morally corrupt.

I don't think the Catholic League has much credibility on sanctitiy of life issues considering that the Pope was a Nazi and is welcoming back with open arms the self-professed anti-semite Bishop Wiliams.

It's not surprising that a Catholic would opppose abortion. Thr Church is the most oppresive agency for women's rights in the country' A soulmate of the Taliban.

The less murdered in the womb the more here to abuse..

why in the hell would this stop her nomination? There are a lot of people in office that have their views on many other issue including this one. She is againt abortion, so are many of the people these same anti abortionist support in our goverment, get a life people. I respect your right to get an abortion if you want to, but don't start running you big fat mouth and direspect my positon on it.

What a hypocrite this Donahue fellow is. What does he have to say about all the so-called celebate priests in his church raping young boys? Pah-leez. These religious fanatics putting their 2 cents in regarding Obama's agenda is getting really old.

I've got an idea for those radical pro-lifers. If you TRULY care about the unborn then get all your supporters to sign up for an adoption list, and start adopting. Of course, that would require a REAL commitment on your parts, and not just sign waving outside abortion clinics twice a week.

Sure glad I'm not Catholic.., now.

Abortion is a choice. If you don't like it, don't make it. But until this government also outlaws war - don't come crying around about killing the unborn. I'm more worried about keeping the currently born alive... and, I might add... well.

Please name someone he could've and would've appointed that they weren't going to throw a temper tantrum about. What's that? You can't find someone they wouldn't have attacked without naming a GOPer or a member of the clergy who wants to change the law of the United States and shred the Constitution?

I rest my case.

November 4, 2008. Wake up and remember who won.

wedge issues. that's all they have. You bet he's gonna have a nominee to the court and it ain't gonna be one of Duh-bya's theological clones.

I am pro-life which means that I am anti-abortion if the procedure involved is taking a life. I find it disturbing that the discussion around abortion focuses instead on the religious beliefs of the life side and around the so called "choice" of the opposing side. The question is NOT about religious beliefs, about people having choices, etc. The question that needs to be realized nationally and addressed honestly is "what is the unborn?" If it's a human life, then let's either agree or disagree on whether or not it's acceptable to take that life. And if it's not a human life, then what is it?

Governor Sibelius' comments about not "...criminalizing women and their doctors..." are in line with my own sentiments as a Catholic, as a Husband and as a Father of two young ladies. America is no place for a Religious Inquisition – we came here to get away from all of that.... Abortion – abominable as it is – is currently Legal and Safe in our country. Keep it so, as a last resort of women in need. As for the Senators – they may have valid questions of conscience. But, when all is done but the voting, they had best abide by their oath to uphold the law of the land.

Abortion. Gay marriage. Immigration. Tools used by those whose brains are too small to grasp the larger issues, to sway like-minded voters. It goes straight to the gut, not the brain. They are the issues used to outrage people and thus take their minds off what the real problems are. Who wants to talk about young couples, living in poverty and hopelessness, sitting in emergency rooms with babies for hours and hours, when you can scream about abortion and feel smug and "christian"?

Where were these Archbishops when George W. Bush presided the MOST executions ever as a Governor?

–What is happening to -"LIFE ",LIBERTY,and the pursuit of HAPPINESS.

Hopefully she's pro-choice.

THe people should keep their comments to themselves!

Conservatives hate abortion but condone capital punishment.
Liberals hate Capital Punishment but condone abortion.

Whats the difference.

Irrelevant. The Constitution and the Courts have decided it's legal. PERIOD. As long as she plans to uphold the law of the land, that ENDS the discussion as to whether her stance on abortion is relevant to her appointment. The GOP can have a religious conniption fit if it wants, but if they do, it's just to rile their base and play partisan politics.

Keep your religion out of my government and I'll keep my fist out of your face. Fair trade. Our country was founded on that principle and our system of government was never intended to be a means of codifying religious dogma as secular law.

For pete's sake, people. It's very, very simple. If you don't believe in abortion, DON'T HAVE ONE. They are not mandatory or required by law.

Will we Americans ever get to progress in science and medicine while irrational superstitious rabble rousers with a cause impede the way? I'm so tired of this nonsense.

I don't even think these right to lifers have a leg to stand on.
These same people support the death penalty. Do you really believe in LIFE?

I don't even think these right to lifers have a leg to stand on.
These same people support the death penalty. Do you really believe in LIFE?

Oh, give me a break. I grew up working as an orderly in an emergency room. You ever seen an alley abortion? You would only need to see one to know that this is not what God intended! We are much better off today.

Let's see, people are losing their jobs, healthcare, the stock market is going down, people are losing their homes, money, retirement and we are concerned with Abortion rights. This seems to be the most important thing for the GOP. In my state, it is the same, the Republicans are cuting education, we are 50th in 50 states, they have decimated our higher education, people in this state with disabilities have no programs left, (haven't seen the Legislature, cut their health care ), people are being thrown off the state health care system, and the mantra is Abortion rights.
I'm mad as he– and no one seems to care, at least not McCain and Kyl, whom we are stuck with. Talk about no representation !!!!!!!

GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE, OR YOU WILL NOT SEE ANOTHER ELECTION IN YOUR FAVOR!!!!!

I think we could all agree that we are tired of this endless abortion argument. Let's fix it once and for all. Ban late and mid term abortions. Leave the issue of early term abortions to each state. In all cases leave an exception for the health of the mother, incest, and rape. Also so people can't use the health of the mother exception everytime make sure it is a life threatening cause for it to be valid. Couldn't most pro-life and pro-choice groups agree on something like this?

What's Great about America, is that it allows it's citizens-CHOICE'S!

GOOD JOB, PRESIDENT OBAMA

Here's the thing, Obama is so enthusiastic about abortion, unionization and redistributing wealth that he is sprinting away from the majority opinion of America. He was elected on a platform of change, and he feels like he needs to make changes. Had he shared all of his plans last Fall, he'd be sitting in the senate right now, not in the White House. Everything he has done so far was predicted by Limbaugh, Hannity and Coulter. Let's hope he does not fulfill the remainder of their predictions.

It is a woman's choice. Choices have consequenses......i am sorry to say but government can't control a person's mind against having an abortion just as no one can control someone's mind against lying It is a moral choice and it is sad that women who choose to have unprotected sex, end up pregnant and then Killing the baby.I feel government should focus more on encouraging adoptions and sex education and i belive this secretary will do a great job as HHS considering the fact that the rate of abortion in the state of Kansas declined ever since she became Gov.

a Godless nominee from a Godless president. We get what we deserve!

I admire a woman of conviction. Gov. Sebelius is actually thinking, something that some people appear incapable of doing. Because her faith says one thing, but the majority of people are not of her faith or her beliefs, she is willing to be intelligent in how she approaches the problem of abortion.

Without being Catholic, if you took her statement and removed the first phrase, you would have my personal view, as well. I don't like abortion, but it is not my place to make that decision for other women, in particular those who are pregnant due to rape or incest. I find it difficult to understand those who are so wrapped up in the rights for the unborn that they neglect to consider the rights of those who are already born. If evey person who has decided that those women must be forced to have children stepped up to the plate and took in those born, then I'd complain less, but they don't. They are also the most vocal against birth control, sex education, and funding safe houses for the sexually abused. So, from the safety of their nice homes in nice safe neighborhoods, they decide that they can be judge and jury for other women who do not have that security. Shame on them.

She will not make any laws regarding abortion. She will only carry out the laws on the books. That is all she needs to say and "case closed"

If you don't like abortion don't have one!

Here we go with the party of "no" again. They have become so one-dimensional.

I hope Ms Kathleen Sebelius' confrimed sheis not the so call "enemy of the unborn," A WOMAN SHOULD RIGHT TO CHOSE!!!!!!! That between the woman and her god not some other person telling the woman what to do.

Analysts suspected that Obama would face a battle over abortion if and when he makes a nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, but religious conservatives could use Sebelius as a warm-up for the seemingly inevitable fight.

give us a break AMERICA is not only for religious conservatives only. everyone in america has the right to do whatever they think is good for themselve i wonder who made the so called Religious conservatives judges to want thats do. Obama does not need warm up for anything he doesn't look to me like somebody who is afraid of challanges.

I'm sick of all these religious leaders who base their morals off dogma instead of common sense thinking. No one looks forward to having an abortion but is some cases, having one will reduce suffering in peoples lives including the unborn. Here's a relgious leader who uses common sense:

"Of course, abortion, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of killing and is negative, generally speaking. But it depends on the circumstances. If the unborn child will be retarded or if the birth will create serious problems for the parent, these are cases where there can be an exception. I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance."
-His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

The Obama administration should not flinch on this issue. Mr. Obama was elected while taking an unequivocal pro-choice position – and he won. His appointment of a pro-choice HHS secretary is simply consistent with his positions on the issue...and the will of the American public.

"Sebelius' support for abortion is so far off the charts that she has been publicly criticized by the last three archbishops of Kansas City"

Being criticized by a hate group makes you 'off the charts'?

Oh that's right, here we go again. Lets try taking care of the people on the street first. This argument will never be solved admit it. JUst once I wish people would get off the band wagon and start solving the problems at hand. How many babies born and unborn die because of lack of health care etc.lest we forget that fact.

leave her alone....she is a grat choice.......... way better that sarah salin!!!!!

"My Catholic faith teaches me that all life is sacred, and personally I believe abortion is wrong," she said then. "However, I disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing women and their doctors is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of abortions in our nation."

Well the truth is that it is an effective means. If a doctor can be charged with murder then they will not do abortions and thus the number of abortions will decrease. Maybe then people will think twice before having unprotected sex or not using contraceptives while knowing full well that they aren't ready for children, it's irresponsible.

If there were muslim voters that opposed, would it matter? How about Jewish? Hindu?

If you say no to any of these, than you do not understand the separation of church and state.

Here's a compromise. I'll agree to give up abortion rights if folks on the other side of the aisle will give up the right to bear arms. OK? No? All right, settled. Let's leave them both as is, then.

The real "enemies of the unborn" are those who do not support womens and children's health care, school lunches, affordable access to contraception, childhood immunizations, and other things in a list too long to name here. If you support "life", then support life after birth, not just before.

Sebelius quote: "My Catholic faith teaches me that all life is sacred, and personally I believe abortion is wrong," she said then. "However, I disagree with the suggestion that criminalizing women and their doctors is an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the number of abortions in our nation."
Amen – sister. This statement alone proves to me that she is the right person for tha job.
Most self-righteous religious hypocrites are more interested in appearing tough and holy than in actually helping women to avoid that choice by showing them viable alternatives. Being a Christian means above all to show all those who consider an abortion the Love of Christ – it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (i.e. change of behavior) – not Bible thumping self-righteousness and judgement.

Abortion has been the issue which sinks EVERY health care reform effort since it polarizes everyone hence no progress can be made. People must one day face facts that there are many sides to every issue and no side is100% correct. Compromise is America's greatest tool so it doesn't matter how she stands on any issue it only matters how the compromise is worded!!! Pro-Life or Pro-Abortion makes no difference since it is an opinion not fact!!!

- In May, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, said that Sebelius' stance on abortion had "grave spiritual and moral consequences." He asked that Sebelius no longer receive Communion until she repudiated her stance and made a "worthy sacramental confession."

Is this scary or what? The church is willing to apply such pressure on one of our elected officials in order to influence the law. She never supported abortion only to protect the life of the women. Why does the church insist on putting a higher value on the child's life versus the woman's life? I guess Mr. Donohue would let his wife or daughter die. How nice of him.

More 'off-the-charts' wacko talk from the far-right religious crowd. Can anybody take them seriously?

Sebelious will be crucified (no pun intended) by this crowd, all of whom will refuse to study any of her work or her stances but will rather follow the foaming, ignorant rhetoric of their 'leaders.'

and, once again, ignorance may win out.

American politics – all abortion, all the time.

As if the ..needs more of the same argument that has been going on for yrs... Why is that they have more concerns about abortion, than taking care of the mess we are in now. This argument will never be solved, so lets get on with the business at hand. It is time to end this agrument, everyone has their views. The American people just amaze me, how about trying to help the people who are just trying to survive, instead of rehashing the same argument that has been going on for yrs and yrs and yrs..

again the far out right trashes "democracy" confusing it with "theocracy"!!

It is their choice no one is force feeding anybody – so shut up.

Sebelius is correct in her belief – if you want complete control over peoples minds and bodies go perhaps to Iran or somewhere similar – get out of our politics!

Just remember this always:

The medical lobby will do ANYTHING to keep healthcare in the US from becoming universal.

This Tiller garbage is just one more attempt to keep you (the midwestern or southern voter) down.

You might not support abortion, but are you willing to roll the dice with your family's healthcare in the next decade?

Abortion isn't going away, folks. There hasn't been a bigger recruiting tool for conservative organizations than Roe v Wade. And NO PROGRESS has been made in almost 40 years to overturn it. NONE. And it's not for lack of political capital, either.

Ask yourself: Why, during Bush's presidency when Republicans had control of the White House, both houses of Congress and a clear majority on the Supreme Court, why didn't they overturn Roe v. Wade? Answer: because Roe v. Wade benefits Republicans.

So you have two choices with Health & Human Services: you can be a political sucker, or you can protect your family from bankruptcy and death.

American politics – all abortion, all the time.

'an ememy of the unborn" OMG! Get serious! She is not anti baby. She is pro choice, an advocate for the living, the tax paying, the ones whose life could be put in danger from carrying a child to term.

Bill Donoghue needs to shut up and go away. He's never spoken for all Catholics, and the media needs to stop trotting him out whenever they want a Catholic to shoot his mouth off in public.

We're still in the midst of an oil supply crisis (even if prices are temporarily low); the financial sector is crashing and burning; the Dow is below 7,000, people are losing jobs left and right, and the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing–yet, you are giving clowns like Bill Donohue a forum to talk about an issue as inconsequential to our national welllbeing as abortion?

Come on!

Why do we let the abortion issue sabotage our efforts to make the US a great country in all ways? Roe v Wade is the law of the land...get over it! let's work together and get this economy going.

PS: I think it's a little strange that the pro-life group isn't coming to Octomoms aid...don't you?

When are these right wing and religious freaks going to learn that they do not control our mind or bodies. How many times do they get to say the same unwanted comments?

YOUR religion will kill us all. I can only hope YOUR god wipes you religious conservative wackos off the planet.

I happen to believe along the same lines as Selebilus does when ti comes to abortion.. It should be between a woman and her God and her Doctor,not a bunch of old men or women in Washington. Church Dogma likes to take stands on certain items of faith but not others,living in the south ,You see much more intervention between church and state,we can not buy a drink on Sunday,we can not Gamble in the State,all because of relegion dogma,nothing to do with the Bible.

I am sick of these anti-abortion protestors. It's the law. It is going to stay a law. No one is forcing anyone to have an abortion. If you are against abortion – then don't have one. Problem solved. Mind your own business.

Pro choice is NOT the same as pro abortion. If you do not want one do not have one.

No need for qualifications to be in this cabinet. Obama didn't have any, why should anyone else.

This administration is not only a failure, it is a complete JOKE

Even Bristol Palin gets it.... abstinence is not realistic.
She also had a choice to keep her baby.

Anti-abortion groups need to stop pushing their views onto women. They do not walk in these women's shoes.

If you hate big government, stay away from the anti-abortion groups. They are the biggest proponents of the government telling you how to live your life.

As I sit here following all of the rules, paying my mortgage, watching my 401(k) sink, realizing all the billions of my tax dollars given to ACORN, the unions. Pelosis rats and Reids trains, and other corrupt democratic organizations, knowing Obama is about ready to screw me over on health care, and then he promises that he is going to "fix" social security, Rush is the only hope and inspiration I have.

If one was truly honest with themselves they would be appauld at the history of abortion..why it began....
It's believed and been discussed time and again that it was a Darwinian impetus behind abortion...and was racist.. It's purpose was to anhilate a race......somewhere along the line to become 'politically acceptable' the political talk said it was to protect the mother from an unwanted pregnancy....(my ?...unwanted for who?)....Abortion is a social constraint and has no biological reality according to author John West (Ware and Ham) . I agree.

Lets have that fight NOW.

This woman is SO qualified for this post, no fringe issue like abortion, can stop her. THE PRESIDENT will go to bat for her and his opponents will be defeated.

If we have the fight NOW, whenever we get around to the Supreme Court, we will have all the anti-abortion nonsense out of the way.

Anti-Abortion People are hypocrits, plain and simple. These are the same people that think it's ok to send adults to their death, but say it's wrong to let a woman make a decision on her own body.

There is no real logic to their thinking except their own crazy interpretation of a book.........period.

And Catholic League President Bill Donohue is an enemy of common sense.

I just wish the idiot, superstitious, bible-thumpers would return to the Dark Ages, or wherever they came from.

Somebody needs to run these Catholics off, they are just getting in the way of Obama's agenda

And what a touchy subject it is! We have to be sheepishly satified that the senate is thankfully not studded with stubbornly seneseless (sometimes) souls like the Coulters, Limbaughs, and the Newts. Our recommendation is a non-judgemental new look at the candidates, in general.

No comments yet? I am on the fence like Sebelius. I don't like abortion, but Idon't want to put 15 yr old girls and their doctors in jails.

Does anyone have an argument that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that a fetus is not human?

You would think with all of the forms of contraceptives available that abortion would be extremely rare.

I cannot figure out where these loons come from. Abortion will always be available either by legal means or illegal means. It is a personal choice who cares what a woman chooses; the real nut jobs come to the table over this issue and it's why I never try to debate it with anyone. The republican party has made it thier signature issue so now what do they have a bunch of inflexible, narrowminded- out of touch voters and in turn an out of touch party! Don't we have bigger problems on our hands now than abortion? Like Economic collapse?

And what the Archbishops say pertains to anything... why? They ain't my archbishops! And I would appreciate them staying out of my government's business!

I wish the abortion talks would just stop. The democrats are not dictating abortions. They are allowing personal choice. PERSONAL CHOICE.

The republicans want to DICTATE no abortions even in rape, health, incest instances. DICTATE.

Just STFU. YOU do not rule me and my body. MY CHOICE.