Letter to the Editor

Include pro-life protection

I feel strongly about the health care reform bill. This is what I would like to say to U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, who represents Illinois' 12th District:1. Thank you for your strong pro-life voting record.

2. Thank you for voting for the pro-life Stupak-Pitts Amendment to the health care reform bill that passed in the House.

3. I do not like the health care reform that Congress is trying to enact. Many people believe the cost of health care under this plan will increase because of the higher taxes and insurance premiums.

4. I have experienced health care in Europe. Trying to make our system more like Europe's is a step in the wrong direction.

5. You voted for the health care bill and list on your website several organizations that support it. You tell of all the good things you believe this bill will accomplish. I am not persuaded. However, you are a principled man when it comes to voting pro-life. The Senate's version of health care reform has been evaluated by many pro-life groups, and they all concur that it will use our federal tax dollars to pay for abortions.

6. Please do not vote for health care reform unless it has the strong pro-life Stupak-Pitts language.

LAURETTA MARIGNY, O'Fallon, Ill.