In its latest coverage of President Obama’s controversial nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, The New York Times continued to downplay Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ radical pro-abortion record.

The article acknowledges that right-to-lifers (whom it calls “anti-abortion groups”) are opposing the nomination.

It also notes that Sebelius (who, if confirmed, will run a department with a $700-billion budget) is a Catholic who “has repeatedly vetoed abortion regulations on legal or policy grounds.” In reality, her vetoes were motivated by ideological extremism and partisan politics.

The Times acknowledges that Sebelius hosted a 2007 reception at the governor’s mansion “attended by George Tiller, a prominent Wichita abortion provider” (Times-speak for an abortionist), while Tiller was under investigation for violating the state’s standards on “late-term birth abortions” (Times-speak for partial-birth abortions) and that he’s about to stand trial on charges stemming from said investigation.

Here’s what The Times forgot to tell us:

• The 2007 reception at the governor’s mansion wasn’t just attended by Tiller; it was in his honor and was attended by the entire staff of his clinic.
• Tiller has performed more than 60,000 abortions.
• Tiller has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Sebelius and her allies, through the governor’s PAC.
• In 2003 and 2005, Sebelius vetoed bills that would have fixed the unsafe conditions of many Kansas abortion clinics.
• In 2008, she vetoed a parental-notification law for minors seeking abortions.
• She also vetoed laws requiring those performing partial-birth abortions to specify a medical reason for the procedure.

In short, Governor Sebelius is opposed to even the most modest restraints on abortion and abortionists — restrictions supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans.

It’s time for The Times to start telling the truth about Sebelius’ appalling record, instead of trying to whitewash it with euphemisms like “vetoed abortion regulations on legal or policy grounds.”

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