DLC Position on Abortion

[SaveElmer]

Partial Birth Abortion in the context of Roe v Wade

The simple truth is that the "partial-birth" ban has never been designed to reduce the number of abortions performed in America. From the very beginning, it's always been a torturously contrived effort by right-to-lifers and their Republican allies to force an abortion-related vote in Congress and in state legislatures on a proposal that would command a comfortable majority in public opinion polls and identify Democrats with something that sounds horrible.

But the right-to-life strategy on "partial-birth" abortions has another element that's important to recognize right now: an effort to convince the public that pro-choicers simply can't bring themselves to accept any restrictions at all on abortion, in any circumstances or at any stage of pregnancy before full-term live birth.

And unfortunately, many pro-choice advocacy groups have risen to the bait, acting as though a "partial-birth" ban is functionally the same as a revocation of basic abortion rights.

That's a mistake, and confuses Kabuki Theater with the real issue and the real drama on abortion: the determination of George W. Bush and the GOP leadership to obtain enough Supreme Court appointments to accomplish their real goal, which is to overturn Roe v. Wade and re-criminalize abortion generally.

That possibility should be an important campaign issue in 2004, and a really fundamental line in the sand between the two parties.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=252116&kaid=131&subid=192

...

Bill Clinton's position on abortion -- that it should be made "safe, legal and rare" -- commanded strong support from Americans who might be ambivalent or even negative on every marginal litmus test issue regarding abortion rights. Democrats would be smart to emulate Clinton's "values centrism" -- which took strong positions while working towards common ground with those who differed -- during the next two years. That's how you not only wage but win the next battles in the culture wars.


http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=251132&kaid=131&subid=192

[napi21]

1. I think Clinton had the right idea. Safe, legal and rare!

I think we stand a hell of lot better chance of defeating the Pugs with that statement than just yelling NO to everything!

[Erika]

2. More emotional hype from right wingers to pass a theocratic

agenda.

Abortions are decreasing as we educate and make birth control readily available. The only PBA I have known of are ones where it is found late in the pregnancy that the mother or the fetus would not survive the birthing process.

Abortion is not a GOP/Democrat issue. I have yet to know anyone who gets an abortion to be concerned about one party or the other. For the most part, they are apolitical. It is a woman's issue, not a political issue.

The right wingers are using women to pass a radical agenda and avoid the true staggering problems such as the uninsured in this country, our crumbling infrastructure, and W's military nation building - paid for by U.S. taxpayers.

[Dr.Phool]

3. The medical procedure, formerly known as Dilation and Extraction

Was re-packaged (framed) as "partial birth abortion" by the theocrats.

Makes it sound like babies are being born and killed on the delivery table. Late term, is only done if the mothers life is in danger, or something has gone horribly wrong with the pregnancy (Downs Syndrome and worse).

[DanCa]

4. I am so sick of the word abortion

You what Pro Lifers remind me of? That little burrow worm in star trek 2. The one Kahn placed into Chekov's ear. They just keep drilling it inside your head to you give up and they take over.
Now I respect everyones right to decide for themsevels whether to be for creation or evolution I just wish that people would respect other's tolerance of noise pollution and back off.
What's my stance on this whole thing? I am pro neutral keep roe up keep everything else away from me and I am happy. Just leave me in peace and stop insulting me. Thank you. :D