Like many conservatives, I am extremely skeptical that the health-care reform being pushed through Congress by President Obama and his fellow Democrats is actually going to improve health care in this country or reduce the cost of providing same. Nevertheless, my primary concern throughout this political drama has been that the final version of the bill not result in federal funding of abortions. 

And for a while, things looked promising. In the House of Representatives, Bart Stupak (D-MI) fought tirelessly to ensure that an amendment was attached to the House bill prohibiting the use of federal funds to pay for “elective” abortions. Then, Ben Nelson (D-NE) indicated that he would insist on the Senate version of the bill including language that mirrored the Stupak amendment. Suffice it to say, this did not come to pass.

So, as it stands, the only thing preventing full-blown federal funding of abortions is Rep. Stupak and his tremendous leadership on this issue.

But the question on every politico’s mind is this: Will Stupak cave like Nelson?Many of my jaded Republican friends certainly think he will. They believe that Pelosi et al.will eventually get to Stupak, and force him to sign off on the Nelson-approved language contained in the Senate bill.

Well, call me a cock-eyed optimist, but I truly believe Stupak will stand his ground. Like the late (and great) Robert P. Casey, Sr., I am convinced that Stupak is the genuine article. Consider, for example, the following comments by Stupak:

“I don’t think the party leadership expected this. They really did not think we would make such a big issue out of it. And they were wrong . . . . We are going to hold firm and make sure the Stupak-Pitts language stays when this legislation comes back to us. We will not vote for this bill if that language is not there . . . . We’ll have a conversation if it comes back that way. Not a negotiation; a conversation.”

Now, while I could certainly be proven wrong, I believe Rep. Stupak means what he says, and that he will do everything in his power to prevent federal funding of abortions from being included in the final version of the health-care-reform bill. And if he does, Stupak will become a hero to those of us in the  pro-life movement. He will also empower and encourage other pro-life Democrats to follow his lead, and strengthen the pro-life coalition within his party. Most importantly, Stupak’s stance will serve as an important public testimony to the inherent dignity of every unborn child, and undoubtedly save countless lives.

I cannot speak for my party, but this Republican greatly admires and strongly supports Rep. Stupak.

If only Senator Nelson had Rep. Stupak’s courage and convictions.    

In any event, let’s all pray for Rep. Stupak as he continues to fight the good fight for a “culture of life” in this country.

Update: Rep. Stupak tells the White House to go pound sand.