Father David M. O’Connell, President of The Catholic University of America, criticized President Barack Obama’s decision to reverse the policy which blocked federal funds from overseas organizations that provide abortion services. The “Mexico City Policy” was instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, rescinded by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and reinstituted by President George W. Bush in 2001. The following comments were published by Fox News on January 28, 2009:

“I don’t think President Obama is looking for a fight but I think he’s certainly going to get one as he wiggles away from issues that are very important to the Church,” Fr. O’Connell said.

“I’m sure for many Catholics who supported Obama because they believed in his words to do everything he could to reduce abortions,” he continued. “This comes as a disappointment, and even a betrayal to some.”

“The Church holds these issues as very significant and very consequential and the church is going after the president, not because he’s the president or because it’s the United States, but because it believes any government system that support issues that are contrary to its core beliefs are dangerous,” he told Fox News. “Because the beliefs are rooted in good for all of humanity, not just the Catholic Church.” Source: Catholic News Agency