HEALTH CARE REPORT: Yeas, nays for Sebelius

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By Sean Lengell

Yeas, nays for Sebelius

President Obama's decision to nominate Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for Health and Human Services secretary mostly was greeted with applause from health care advocacy groups, unions and the health care industry.

But it was scorned by abortion opponents.

The Family Research Council, a conservative Christian think tank, said Mrs. Sebelius' support of abortion rights is an affront to family values.

"FRC Action will work to oppose Governor Sebelius' appointment and continue to work with those who truly wish to stop the blight of abortion," said Tony Perkins, president of FRC Action, the legislative arm of Family Research Council.

The National Black Pro-Life Union said, "There are many other qualified Americans who can better serve our country as HHS secretary than Governor Sebelius."

"The recent nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius to the position of HHS secretary is further proof of the Obama administration's ties to the radical abortion industry and Planned Parenthood," said the group's president, Day Gardner.

Mrs. Sebelius, a Democrat, isn't expected to get too much opposition during the confirmation process.

"Governor Sebelius is deeply committed to achieving high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans, and her knowledge about health care issues makes her ideally suited for this new leadership role," said Ron Pollack, executive director of the liberal Families USA. He called Mrs. Sebelius, a Democrat, an "excellent choice."

Anna Burger, international secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union said Mrs. Sebelius' record of promoting health care issues while governor gives her sufficient experience to head HHS.