more abortions under Bush than under Clinton . . .

[OneBlueSky]

what's that Bible quote about words without works? . . .

Pro-life? Look at the fruits
by Dr. Glen Harold Stassen

http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=sojomail.display&issue=041013#5

(snip)

Abortion was decreasing. When President Bush took office, the nation's abortion rates were at a 24-year low, after a 17.4% decline during the 1990s. This was an average decrease of 1.7% per year, mostly during the latter part of the decade. (This data comes from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life using the Guttmacher Institute's studies).

Enter George W. Bush in 2001. One would expect the abortion rate to continue its consistent course downward, if not plunge. Instead, the opposite happened.

I found three states that have posted multi-year statistics through 2003, and abortion rates have risen in all three: Kentucky's increased by 3.2% from 2000 to 2003. Michigan's increased by 11.3% from 2000 to 2003. Pennsylvania's increased by 1.9% from 1999 to 2002. I found 13 additional states that reported statistics for 2001 and 2002. Eight states saw an increase in abortion rates (14.6% average increase), and five saw a decrease (4.3% average decrease).

Under President Bush, the decade-long trend of declining abortion rates appears to have reversed. Given the trends of the 1990s, 52,000 more abortions occurred in the United States in 2002 than would have been expected before this change of direction.

- more . . .

http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=sojomail.display&issue=041013#5

[aquart]

1. More women who can't afford a kid.

[Melodybe]

2. This is very powerful ammunition for freepers, thanks for posting this.

[wickerwoman]

3. Clearly abstinance only sex-ed has been a raging success.

[sonicx]

4. i wish a 527 would run with this...

[Melodybe]

5. Send it to move-on maybe they will

[DemBones DemBones]

6. Great little article. The author gives a good

explanation of why there have been more abortions since Bush* took office. He gives three major reasons:

"First, two thirds of women who abort say they cannot afford a child (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Web site)."

"Second, half of all women who abort say they do not have a reliable mate (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life).

He goes on to explain that "Men who are jobless usually do not marry" and that unemployment often leads to divorce.

"Third, women worry about health care for themselves and their children. Since 5.2 million more people have no health insurance now than before this presidency - with women of childbearing age overrepresented in those 5.2 million - abortion increases."

Dr. Stassen concludes:

"What does this tell us? Economic policy and abortion are not separate issues; they form one moral imperative. Rhetoric is hollow, mere tinkling brass, without health care, health insurance, jobs, child care, and a living wage. Pro-life in deed, not merely in word, means we need policies that provide jobs and health insurance and support for prospective mothers. "

[fujiyama]

7. This really is important

for those that would like to vote Kerry but are anti abortion to know. It ties into what Kerry himself said about being Catholic and that faith without works is dead (I think that was it).

It also shows that abstinence only programs, and adding hurdles toward access to contraceptives and morning after pills make it more likely that an abortion will take place...as will a bad economy.

[meow2u3]

14. That's not the only thing that increases the abortion rate

It also shows that abstinence only programs, and adding hurdles toward access to contraceptives and morning after pills make it more likely that an abortion will take place...as will a bad economy.

Remember that law that was struck down in Florida as unconstitutional last year? Yes, that was the one that required women who would give up their kids for adoption not only to put their names and addresses in the newspaper, but also name the guys she slept with. As if a scarlet F (for fornicator) would discourage abortions. Quite the contrary, Jeb Crow! This law served only to embarrass and humiliate women and girls who were freakin' raped!
Thank God some Florida judge had the decency to throw out this trash.

[sadiesworld]

8. kick

[Eric J in MN]

9. Why didn't he look at national statistic instead of 3 states? nt

nt

[DemBones DemBones]

10. Only "three have posted multi-year statistics through 2003,

and abortion rates have risen in all three: Kentucky's increased by 3.2% from 2000 to 2003. Michigan's increased by 11.3% from 2000 to 2003. Pennsylvania's increased by 1.9% from 1999 to 2002. I found 13 additional states that reported statistics for 2001 and 2002. Eight states saw an increase in abortion rates (14.6% average increase), and five saw a decrease (4.3% average decrease). "

(Quoted from the article.)


I think he'd surely have examined more data if it had been available.

[Justice]

11. All three states are moderate to conservative states

One would not think abortion would increase in those states, given the influence of the RW.

I always say life does not end at birth. Republicans abandon the child upon birth. Policies that support the child at all points in time, housing, education, healthcare - those policies create a culture of life.

[Aunt Anti-bush]

12. That is quite telling...

of how they talk the talk but the walk isn't there. I hope the media gets this and reports it. But they wont.

[USA_1]

13. a vote for Bush is a vote for abortion

... as a progressive Catholic and pro-lifer I put the blame for abortion on these genocidal Republicans

[meow2u3]

15. Real pro-lifers vote Kerry

You can't be pro-life and anti-life at the same time.

Another neoprogressive (pro-life leftie) for Kerry!

[louis c]

16. I love this thread

I have some folks who hate bush, but will vote for him based on his "pro-life" position.

I will print, and hand it to them.

Thanks.

[DemBones DemBones]

17. Excellent! Printing the article and sending it to

pro-lifers might help. I am trying to decide whether to do that anonymously or with a nice note. I don't want to make enemies but I hate seeing smart people, good people whom I care about vote for Bush*.