Anti-Abortion Group Cancels 'Defender of Life' Award for Stupak

An anti-abortion political group has rescinded the award it planned to give to Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak after his last-minute decision to vote for the Democratic health reform bill that passed the House Sunday night. The Susan B. Anthony List, a political action committee that aims to help women who oppose abortion win public office, had selected Stupak as the recipient of its Defender of Life award for his outspoken stance against any federal funding for abortion in the controversial bill.


But a deal struck Sunday afternoon, in which President Obama promised to issue an executive order to prevent federally funded abortions in exchange for Stupak's vote, turned the PAC's adoration to ire.

"By accepting this deal from the most pro-abortion President in American history, Stupak has not only failed to stand strong for unborn children, but also for his constituents and pro-life voters across the country," Marjorie Dannenfelser, the group's president, said in a statement. Dannenfelser said her organization would not support any candidate who voted for the reform bill. The group had planned to give Stupak the award at a gala this week.

Speaking with CNN Sunday night, Stupak shrugged off the scathing denouncement. "I didn't seek the award," he said. "I stood on my principle. I don't need an award."

In a statement announcing his vote, Stupak noted: "I have said from the start I would not vote for health care reform without adequate protections in place to make sure the current law of no federal funding for abortion is maintained. The president's Executive Order upholds the principle that federal funds should not be used to subsidize abortion coverage."