Dobson Mourns Henry Hyde
Ministry founder calls former congressman a “passionate defender of human life”
November 29, 2007
Colorado Springs, Colo. — Focus on the Family Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today after learning of the death of former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde:
“With the passing of Rep. Henry Hyde today, the pro-family movement lost one of its most passionate defenders of human life. It is impossible to calculate how many millions of babies were spared because of his courageous work in the House of Representatives.
“As the author of legislation that came to be known as the ‘Mexico City policy,’ Rep. Hyde helped prohibit federal money from being used to support abortion or abortion-related activities in countries around the world. The Democrat majority in both the House and Senate recently voted to rescind the policy – but they are likely to be thwarted, thankfully, by President Bush’s promised veto. How regrettable that Rep. Hyde was not in the Congress to continue his struggle on behalf of vulnerable babies.
“As important as the principles for which Henry Hyde stood, however, was the way he defended them. Politicians on both sides of the aisle respected him for his character and leadership. Who can forget his quiet authority in leading the House through one of the most contentious episodes in recent political history – the impeachment of President Clinton? Throughout that national ordeal, he was the model of fairness, patience and decorum – even in the face of fierce partisan opposition and harsh criticism from the media.
“I respected Henry Hyde greatly. We already miss his enormous influence in Washington.”
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For more information, contact press@family.orgNima Reza at (719) 548-4570 or culturalissues@family.org.