(WASHINGTON, DC)– US Representative Sue Myrick (NC-09) today joined with 179 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Senate and House leadership opposing an amendment to allow abortions at domestic and international U.S. military bases.

The amendment, offered to the FY 2011 Defense Authorization Act by Senator Roland Burris (IL), would overturn statue that has been in place since 1996.  Current statute, signed into law by President Bill Clinton, prevents DOD medical facilities from being used to perform abortions. 

“Military treatment centers -- which are dedicated to healing and caring for life -- should not facilitate the taking of the most innocent human life: a child in the womb.  Women who wish to obtain abortions are already able to travel off base for an abortion and may travel to another country on a military flight on a ‘space available’ basis,” the Members wrote in their letter.

They also wrote: “If the Burris amendment were enacted, not only would taxpayer funded facilities be used to support abortion on demand, but resources could also be used to search for, hire, and transport new personnel simply so that abortions could be performed.”

The FY 2011 Defense Authorization bill passed in the House without this amendment on May 28, 2010.  It is currently being considered in the Senate.