As part of a last-minute effort to secure an anti-abortion amendment in health care reform legislation, the nation's Catholic bishops spoke to parishioners Sunday through inserts in church bulletins.

The bishops urged Catholics to take their concerns to lawmakers. Democratic leaders must soon resolve disagreements on abortion, immigration and other issues regarding the health care overhaul before the chambers vote on final versions of bills.

Abortion opponents want to bar middle- and lower-income people who buy private insurance with the help of federal subsidies from using that money on plans that cover abortion.

"I made an announcement at the end of Mass, explaining to the people that the bills should be about saving lives, not destroying them," said the Rev. Robert Gillelan Jr., pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in York.

The bishops, who have long supported universal coverage, are among many faith leaders weighing in reform debate -- many saying they want reform to happen but focusing on its different ethical aspects.

Gillelan said Catholics are also concerned that immigrants and the poor have adequate access to health care and that legislators continue "conscience" provisions in current law that allow health care workers to decline to provide abortions.

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches and the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania co-sponsored a service last week on the steps of the capitol in Harrisburg to remember those who die each year

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for lack of health care. More than 46 million Americans do not have health insurance, according to government estimates.

"We have seen some who have been devastated because of it," said the Rev. Thaddeus Godwin, president of the Black Ministers Association of York County and pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in York. "Either they can't get the medication they need, or they're like the sick walking."

Like the Catholic bishops, however, Godwin stops short of endorsing legislation that would use taxpayer money to fund elective abortions, he said.

Pat Long, a Quaker living in West Manchester Township, attended a Health Care 4 All rally in Harrisburg Oct. 20. She supports legislation that would include a public insurance option and would provide undocumented immigrants with federal subsidies for their care -- something the current bills prohibit.

"Based on both biblical and moral principles, caring for the sick and the elderly, the weak, is certainly a moral imperative," she said. "From a Christian perspective, I don't think Jesus talked about only providing it for those who are legally in this country."

And efforts to restrict the use of federal subsidies to pay for abortion coverage are "another way to try to restrict women's choice," Long said. "I don't think one religion should dictate what (medical services) everybody should or should not have access to. I trust women to make the decision for themselves."

Pennsylvania's anti-abortion Democrat, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., has said he'd like to see stronger language in the bill before he's confident federal money won't fund abortion.
mburke@ydr.com; 771-2024

If you go

What: Healing Hands health screenings (blood pressure and blood sugar testings, minor first aid and referrals)

When: The second Saturday of each month, starting 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 14

Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Trinity Road in West Manchester Township

Cost: Free

For details: 792-1650