The XX Factor

I find many uses of the word patriarchy grating, but it's pretty hard to describe the Catholic Church without it. Which is why it's so stunning that today, nearly 60,000 nuns signed a letter supporting the passage of Barack Obama's health care plan-the same plan the Catholic bishops have done their best to stonewall because of language concerning abortion. It's been a dispiriting week for anyone who's Catholic , but at least for me, this was a much-needed moment of hope.

From the nuns' statement, via the AP: " 'Despite false claims to the contrary, the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions.' The letter says the legislation also will help support pregnant women and 'this is the real pro-life stance.' "