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Frist a Major Shareholder in Reputed For-Profit Abortion Provider
Human Events ^ | 12-20-02 | Terry Jeffrey

Posted on 12/19/2002 10:26:29 PM PST by The Old Hoosier

Frist a Major Shareholder in Reputed For-Profit Abortion Provider
By Terence P. Jeffrey

Bill Frist (R.-Tenn.), reportedly the White House choice to succeed Trent Lott (R.-Miss.) as Senate majority leader, is a major shareholder in HCA, a for-profit hospital chain founded by his father and brother. HCA reportedly provides abortions to its customers.

So now Republicans face this question: If it is disqualifying for their Senate leader to make offensive remarks interpreted as endorsing an immoral policy that denied African-Americans equal rights, is it also disqualifying for their Senate leader to make money from a hospital chain that denies unborn babies the right to life?

Frist has deposited his major stockholdings in a "blind trust" chartered Dec. 28, 2000. A schedule of the original assets in this trust filed with the Senate showed holdings in 16 companies. Frist reported the value of these assets, as per Senate rules, within broad ranges (e.g. $1,001-$15,001). If the lowest possible value is assigned to each holding, Frist at that time had invested a minimum of $566,015 in 15 other companies, while investing at least $5,000,001 in HCA.

That would mean that approximately 89% of his holdings were in this company.

Furthermore, on its face, the trust agreement appears structured to allow the administrators to maintain this heavy concentration in HCA stock. It also specifically instructs the administrators to inform Frist if they divest entirely from any holding, including HCA. And, finally, it gives Frist the power to directly order the administrators to divest from HCA or any other holding that Frist determines "creates a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof."

HCA does not trumpet its reported involvement with abortion. But, in April, Catholic Financial Services Corporation (CFSC), a mutual fund company, announced that it was starting an S&P 500 Index Fund that would "exclude companies on the abortion issue"—and that HCA was one of only six companies on the index that would be excluded on these grounds. A spokesman for the mutual fund explained to me last week that the company excludes hospital chains that perform abortions and pharmaceutical companies that deal in drugs that induce abortion.

On December 18 and 19, I placed several calls to HCA corporate spokesman Jeff Prescott, to ask him directly whether abortions were performed in HCA facilities, or whether the company refuted CFSC’s determination that they were. I left him voice messages to this effect, and repeatedly told his secretary my questions. At 5:00 p.m. on the 19th, as press time approached, the secretary left me lingering on hold with no answer. When I hung up and called back, I got Prescott’s voice mail again and left him one last message. He never returned my call.

I also spoke with Sen. Frist’s spokesman, Nick Smith. I explained to Smith my understanding that the terms of Frist’s "blind" trust allowed the administrators to maintain a heavy concentration in HCA, while allowing Frist to order the sale of this stock, and while also compelling the administrators to inform Frist if they divested entirely from HCA or any other holding. I cited the specific passages in the trust to this effect. I also asked Smith to clarify Frist’s position on abortion—which has confounded pro-lifers over the years—and why Frist would not divest, since he apparently could, from a company that reportedly performs abortions.

When Frist first ran for the Senate in 1994, the Nashville Banner reported that he "frequently" said he "does not believe abortion should be outlawed." In a May 1994 radio interview, the Banner reported, Frist said, "It’s a very private decision." One of Frist’s Republican primary rivals, Steve Wilson, the Banner said, "demanded that Frist sell his millions of dollars in stock in the Hospital Corporation of America [HCA], which Frist’s family founded. Some of the hospitals in the chain perform abortions."

Tennessee Right to Life PAC Director Sherry Holden, however, told the Banner that Frist had told her organization he was pro-life. "He said he’s against abortion, period—no exceptions, except rape and incest," said Holden.

Yet, an Oct. 10, 1994, Memphis Commercial Appeal report on a debate between Frist and incumbent Sen. Jim Sasser (D.-Tenn.) said: "There were some topics on which the candidates agreed—both said they’re personally opposed to abortion but don’t think the government should prohibit abortions."

I asked Smith whether Frist wanted to prohibit abortion either by constitutional amendment or by over-turning Roe v. Wade and enacting prohibitions in the states, including Tennessee.

Smith responded by faxing me a statement. The White House, pro-life Republican senators, and their grassroots supporters can decide whether it is responsive:

"These two issues [the HCA investment and abortion] are separate and distinct," wrote Smith.

"On his own accord, by placing his assets in a federally qualified blind trust, Sen. Frist took a step above and beyond to ensure there is no conflict of interest," wrote Smith. "He believes this was the proper and responsible thing to do. He has never been employed by, or served on the board of, HCA or any of its hospitals.

"As a U.S. senator who acts on public policy each and every day, his record on abortion is clear," Smith continued. "He is opposed to abortion except in the instances of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is threatened. He is opposed to federal funding of abortion. And in the Senate, he led the fight against partial-birth abortion."

His Senate website includes a statement saying, "No one can deny the potential human cloning holds for increased scientific understanding. But . . . I am unable to find a compelling justification for allowing human cloning today."

As Bill Clinton might say, that doesn’t rule out tomorrow—when he may be Senate majority leader.



TOPICS: Breaking News; Politics/Elections; US: Tennessee
KEYWORDS: abortion; abortionlist; catholiclist; escr; frist; fristabortion; singleissueloser; terencepjeffrey; terryjeffrey
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To: tomahawk
If Frist becomes Majority Leader, we have a good shot of holding the Senate, confirming pro-life judges, and reducing the number of abortions. If Lott stays, we probably lose the Senate, fewer pro-life judges get confirmed, and the killing spree continues unabated. Hmmmm, which is a better choice?

So you're saying that Frist is best qualified to identify judges who are pro-abortion because "it takes one to know one?"

321 posted on 12/20/2002 7:29:33 AM PST by A2J
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To: RooRoobird14
Doesn't anyone remember that there was a 9/11 and there are other life-and-death issues at stake?

Terrorists=disregard for innocent human life.

Abortionists=disregard for innocent human life.

There is no difference, other than the fact that the abortionists have killed exponentially more victims.

All Americans, born or unborn, have an unalienable, God-given right to life...guaranteed by our Declaration of Independence and the 5th Amendment to the Constitution.

322 posted on 12/20/2002 7:30:16 AM PST by EternalVigilance
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To: P-Marlowe
I'm unabashedly pro-Frist. I think Lott ruined his effectiveness. I believe Nickols dropped out because of skeltons or inability to collect votes.

This is an attack piece on Frist and you are right to encourage others to recognize that before they make up their minds.

Here are Frist's postions. On abortion it is exactly the same voting record as for Lott. I'll try to post the whole thing because it's more visible. It's found at click for frist positions

323 posted on 12/20/2002 7:30:31 AM PST by xzins
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To: relee
Thanks for posting the list of hospitals. There's one that I'm familiar with, Lakeside Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana. Lakeside Hospital has for decades been known as "The Baby Hospital" locally because it's an obstetric hospital. Many of my friends have had their babies there.

You're right, these are mainstream, respectable hospitals, not abortion mills as the headline implies.

324 posted on 12/20/2002 7:32:29 AM PST by alnick
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To: FreeReign
The title of this article is deceptive.

You're right. I think the author proves pretty conclusively that he does still own the stock...so the word 'reputed' is probably not necessary.

325 posted on 12/20/2002 7:33:12 AM PST by EternalVigilance
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To: xzins
Indeed. This is nothing short of a smear against Senator Frist. And I will say it again - it is a SMEAR. Frist has a 100% voting record with National Right to Life. A 100% voting record with the Christian Coalition.

The problem is, he is not "their" type of conservative. so, because they don't get it all, they will sabotage the Party as a whole. Quite frankly, I am disgusted with them, and getting more so by the day.
326 posted on 12/20/2002 7:35:16 AM PST by hchutch
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To: concerned about politics
According to the researchers, the decline of the U.S. crime rate may be the result of two mechanisms related to legalized abortion.

Research might reveal that the number of 'white collar' crimes substantially decreased in NYC, post Sept. 11, 2001.

327 posted on 12/20/2002 7:35:35 AM PST by A Vast RightWing Conspirator
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To: The Old Hoosier
is a major shareholder in HCA, a for-profit hospital chain founded by his father and brother...

This is the typical suicidal behavior that the Republicans could use to lose the House and Senate in 2004.

I challenge all these high and mighty moralists to review and purge their own stock portfolios of "abortion friendly" stocks like any pharmaceutical company, any health care provider, anyone who could provide transportation to a clinic, anyone who produces food that abortion providers eat...

Get real, stay focused on the problems facing our country like...Demoncrats.

328 posted on 12/20/2002 7:36:20 AM PST by pfflier
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To: relee
Also, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, also on the list, is THE major hospital in Covington, Louisiana, which is one of the most conservative communities in the state of Louisiana.

So anyone who wants to make an issue out of this had better stay out of any major hospitals because because if they don't, they're supporting abortion with their money.

329 posted on 12/20/2002 7:36:31 AM PST by alnick
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To: lonestar
Hitler was a post-birth abortionist.

And as such, he would be, in the eyes of the Frist supporters, imminently qualified to serve as ML.

330 posted on 12/20/2002 7:36:50 AM PST by A2J
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To: Askel5
Love that Keyes! Tell Alan the Big Ape says hello!
331 posted on 12/20/2002 7:38:10 AM PST by ApesForEvolution
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To: A2J; xzins
Hey Mr. Principle, when you have a heart attack, I can only hope for your sake that there is a hospital that meets your standards of decency within a 100 mile radius. Otherwise you might have to pay for your principles with your life.

Are you willing to do that? Or will the closest hospital be just fine with you?

BTW have you ever been treated or has any of your family members been treated at any of those hospitals? I'd be willing to bet you have.

332 posted on 12/20/2002 7:38:50 AM PST by P-Marlowe
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To: EternalVigilance
I am Catholic and I am anti-abortion. That I don't totally demonize Frist because he's the former CEO of Columbia HCA doesn't make me an abortionist.

To equate Bill Frist with Muslim homicidal bombers and terrorists is STUPID, WRONG, AND HOLIER-THAN-THOU SELF-RIGHTEOUS.

Your shrill, extremist form of one-issue abortion politics is no different than that of NARAL's, NOW's, and Planned Parenthood's. I have respect for neither of you.

333 posted on 12/20/2002 7:38:56 AM PST by RooRoobird14
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To: The Old Hoosier
If you look at the list of hospitals posted by a nice freeper (Sorry, I'm not good with names), you will see that these are major hospitals. You may even see your state listed, and if you do, you will probably find a hospital that you or a friend or family member have used or will use in the future. These are definitely not abortion mills.
334 posted on 12/20/2002 7:38:57 AM PST by alnick
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To: Polycarp
RCPhenix rises again!

Welcome Back, now behave yourself.

335 posted on 12/20/2002 7:41:06 AM PST by drstevej
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To: Delphinium
DId you look at the list of hospitals in question that is posted earlier on this thread? These are major hospitals, no different from the major hospital near you. In fact, there's a good possibility that your local hospital is on that list. What are you going to do if you have to avail yourself of their services?
336 posted on 12/20/2002 7:41:43 AM PST by alnick
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To: tomahawk
"If Frist becomes Majority Leader, we have a good shot of holding the Senate, confirming pro-life judges, and reducing the number of abortions. If Lott stays, we probably lose the Senate, fewer pro-life judges get confirmed, and the killing spree continues unabated. Hmmmm, which is a better choice?"

FRIST!
337 posted on 12/20/2002 7:44:08 AM PST by ApesForEvolution
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To: P-Marlowe; All


VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Opposes Abortion is a woman's right
(0 points on Social scale)
Opposes: YES on disallowing overseas military abortions
Strongly Opposes: YES on banning partial birth abortions
Opposes: YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions
Strongly Opposes Require companies to hire more women & minorities
(10 points on Economic scale)
Strongly Opposes: YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds
Strongly Opposes: YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage
Strongly Opposes: NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation
Strongly Opposes: YES on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business
Opposes: YES on prohibiting same-sex basic training
Opposes: NO on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women
Strongly Opposes Sexual orientation protected by civil rights laws
(0 points on Social scale)
Strongly Opposes: NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation
Opposes: NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation
Favors Teach moral standards In Public Schools
(2 points on Social scale)
Favors: Supports anti-flag desecration amendment.
Strongly Favors: YES on $75M for abstinence education
Neutral: YES on restricting violent videos to minors
Opposes More Federal Funding for Health Coverage
(7 points on Economic scale)
Opposes: NO on medical savings acounts
Opposes: YES on Medicare means-testing
Opposes: YES on limiting self-employment health deduction
Opposes: NO on increasing funds for Medicare prescriptions
Opposes: NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare
Opposes: YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit
Favors Privatize Social Security
(7 points on Economic scale)
Favors: YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes
Favors: YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees
Favors: YES on allowing personal retirement accounts
Strongly Favors Parents Choose Schools via Vouchers
(10 points on Social scale)
Strongly Favors: YES on school vouchers in DC
Favors: YES on education savings accounts
Strongly Favors: YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules
Favors: YES on Educational Savings Accounts
Favors: NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors
Favors: NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors
Favors Death Penalty
(2 points on Social scale)
Favors: YES on limiting death penalty appeals
Favors Mandatory "Three Strikes" Sentencing Laws
(2 points on Social scale)
Favors: YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations
Favors: NO on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program
Strongly Favors Absolute right to gun ownership
(10 points on Social scale)
Strongly Favors: YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks
Favors: YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows
Strongly Favors: NO on background checks at gun shows
Strongly Favors Make Income Tax Flatter & Lower
(10 points on Economic scale)
Favors: YES on Internet sales tax moratorium
Strongly Favors: YES on FY99 tax cuts
Favors: YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes
Favors: YES on $792B tax cuts
Favors: YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'
Favors: YES on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts
Favors: NO on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates
Strongly Favors: YES on cutting taxes by $1.35 trillion over 11 years
Favors: NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction
No opinion Immigration helps our economy-encourage it
(5 points on Economic scale)
Strongly Opposes: YES on limit welfare for immigrants
Favors: YES on visas for skilled workers
Favors: YES on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work
Favors Support & Expand Free Trade
(7 points on Economic scale)
Favors: YES on fast track trading authority
Favors: YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority
Favors: YES on expanding trade to the third world
Favors: YES on removing common goods from national security export rules
Opposes Link Human Rights to trade with China
(7 points on Social scale)
Favors: NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons
Strongly Opposes: YES on permanent normal trade relations with China
Opposes: YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam
Strongly Favors More Spending on Armed Forces Personnel
(0 points on Economic scale)
Favors: YES on 1996 Defense Appropriations
Strongly Favors: YES on favoring 36 vetoed military projects
Favors: NO on allowing another round of military base closures
Strongly Favors: YES on military pay raise of 4.8%
Strongly Opposes Reduce spending on Missile Defense ("Star Wars")
(10 points on Economic scale)
Opposes: YES on deploying missile defense as soon as possible
Opposes: YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels
Opposes: NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Strongly Opposes: YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP
Opposes Continue Foreign Aid to Russia, Israel, & others
(7 points on Economic scale)
Opposes: NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech
Favors: YES on $17.9 billion to IMF
Opposes: YES on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion
Neutral: NO on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo
Neutral: YES on allowing all necessary forces and other means in Kosovo
Opposes Spend Resources to Stop Global Warming
(7 points on Economic scale)
Favors: YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests
Strongly Opposes: YES on defunding renewable and solar energy
Opposes: NO on keeping CAFE fuel efficiency standards
Opposes: YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling
Opposes: YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior
Strongly Favors Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it
(0 points on Social scale)
Strongly Favors: YES on spending international development funds on drug control
Favors: YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations
Favors: YES on increasing penalties for drug offenses
Favors Allow churches to provide welfare services
(2 points on Social scale)
Favors: YES on welfare overhaul
Favors: YES on allowing state welfare waivers
Favors: NO on eliminating block grants for food stamps
Favors: YES on welfare block grants

Bill Frist is a Moderate Conservative. Click here for explanation.

338 posted on 12/20/2002 7:44:12 AM PST by xzins
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To: RooRoobird14
Your shrill, extremist form of one-issue abortion politics is no different than that of NARAL's, NOW's, and Planned Parenthood's. I have respect for neither of you.

Believe me, at the moment, the feeling is mutual.

Have a nice day.

339 posted on 12/20/2002 7:45:19 AM PST by EternalVigilance
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To: alnick
I work for HCA, the largest for-profit hospital comapany in the country. This is a ridiculous assertion. Believe me when I tell you the predominat corporate culture is conservative. The corporate office is located in Nashville and the majority of our hospitals are located in the Bible Belt. Frist is a good guy. Abortion related services are not a reatail service line, if they are performed, it is an emergency situation. Yes, still distateful but it is not the practice of any HCA facility to turn patients away from the ER. Please research EMTALA laws.
340 posted on 12/20/2002 7:46:40 AM PST by autiger
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