Reid on Monday said Republicans opposed to the bill were displaying the same mindset as those who supported slavery.
“If you think you've heard these same excuses before, you're right,” Reid said. “When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said, ‘Slow down, it’s too early, things aren't bad enough.’ ”
Reid came under heavy criticism for the remarks and, on Tuesday, he defended his comments, saying critics were "distorting" them.
"At pivotal points in American history, the tactics of distortion and delay have certainly been present," Reid said, according to The Hill. "They've certainly been used to stop progress. That's what we're talking about here."
"It's very clear. That's the point I made — no more, no less. Anyone who willingly distorts my comments is only proving my point," he added.
While republicans have struck back -- with national party chairman Michael Steele, who is black, leading the critics, Reid is hearing from another corner as well.
Alveda King, the director of African American Outreach for Priests for Life, a national Catholic pro-life group, also has something to say.
The niece of the famous civil rights leader told LifeNews.com she thought Reid's comments clearly were "comparing opponents of his health care bill to supporters of slavery."
She said it is Reid who is more closely aligned with slavery and the mindset of those who support it.
“Senator Reid has written a bill that would force Americans to pay for the abortion of babies and he implies that opposition to his efforts is evil? His comments are outrageous," King said.
“It’s Senator Reid’s bill that treats unborn humans like property. If anything, it’s his actions that should be compared to support for slavery," she added.