COVID relief welcomed, but lack of Hyde protections called ‘unconscionable’
A student attends school in Philadelphia March 8, 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (CNS photo/Hannah Beier, Reuters)
By Julie Asher • Catholic News Service • Posted March 11, 2021
WASHINGTON (CNS) The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law March 11 by President Joe Biden, will provide relief to Americans in need amid the pandemic, but it lacks “protections for the unborn,” the U.S. bishops said.
Their March 10 statement quickly followed U.S. House passage of the measure in a 220-211 vote. After the Senate passed its version of the bill March 6, it was sent back to the House where members reconciled its changes with the version they approved Feb. 27. Biden was expected to sign it into law the afternoon of March 12.