This week’s remarks by Republican Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin brought abortion into the Presidential race for the first time this summer. We took a closer look at where all of the candidates and parties stand on abortion:
Republican: Pro-life
The party ratified a call for a Constitutional ban on abortion that makes no exceptions for rape or incest.
Mitt Romney: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
Ron Paul: Pro-life
Introduced the Sanctity of Life Act four times over the past ten years, which defines life as beginning at conception at the Federal level.
Democrat: Pro-choice
Supports the right of every woman to choose, consistent with Roe v. Wade.
Barack Obama: Pro-choice
Supports abortion rights but signed an executive order in 2010 that would maintain a ban on the use of federal money to pay for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or if the life of a woman is in danger.
Libertarian: Pro-choice. I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
Gary Johnson: Ban after the first trimester
Supports woman’s right to choose up until the fetus is viable. Johnson would ban late terms abortions from the federal level.
Green: Pro-choice
Supports full access to abortion, with funding, for all women in the U.S. and around the world.
Jill Stein: Pro-choice
Supports the Green Party position.
Justice Party: Pro-choice
Justice Party: Pro-Choice. The decision should be between a woman, her doctor, and anyone else she wants to have involved.
Rocky Anderson: Pro-choice
Supports the Justice Party position.
Constitutionalist Party: Pro-life
Under no circumstances may the federal government fund or otherwise support any state or local government or any organization or entity, foreign or domestic, which advocates, encourages or participates in the practice of abortion.
Virgil Goode: Pro-life
Would submit a budget to Congress with zero funding for planned parenthood and any other similar entities.
Socialist Party USA: Pro-choice
Supports every woman's right to choose when, if, and how to have children, including the right to free abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy.
Stewart Alexander: Pro-choice
Supports the Socialist Party Position.
Rent is too Damn High: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
Jimmy McMillan: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
Where do you side on abortion? Find out by taking our presidential election quiz.
please, can we stop saying "pro-life"? everyone is pro-life unless they are suicidal. let us say, rather, "anti-choice" which is far more appropriate as well as more descriptive.
Connie Campbell
It bothers you...how?
Tim Berglund
Because "choice" applies to matters other than abortion. "Anti-abortion rights" is more descriptive. "Seamless garment" works for those who are also against war, euthanasia, etc.
Melissa Hunter-Kilmer
I was referring to the "pro-life" word in Connie's post..
Tim Berglund
About 50% of the people agree with you. The other side which is also very sincere and well thought believes a woman's choiche is whether or not to have unprotected sex. Once conceived they believe abortion is murder. This is their belief not something thought up to disagree with your position.
Teddy Hartnett
it does not "bother"me. I am simply pointing out that it is non-descriptive and that "anti-choice" is more appropriate. Why do you ask? Is the government trying to regulate YOUR uterus?
Connie Campbell
Pro-life vs Pro-choice. Anti-Choice vs Pro-Choice. Anti-Baby Murder vs Pro-Baby Murder. Pro-Abortion vs Anti-Abortion. You can choose a number of ways to call it. Pro-life vs Pro-choice have become the generally adopted stance names due to the mitigation of bias via word choice.
Michael Kennedy
Ah but Teddy Romney is against planned parenthood which means no contraception therefore the woman gets no choice in whether she becomes pregnant or not . On the abortion issue itself I do not believe any woman chooses abortion lightly but abortion after 6 months is horrible , painful and unnecesary unless the mother or babies life is in danger
Chrissy Lindsley
I am pro-not-spending-a-single-dime-on-what-goes-into-or-comes-out-of-a-complete-strangers-uterus.
Steven Altsman
I tend to prefer the title "prenatal rights activist." I don't think 'anti-abortion rights,' is appropriate. Most 'pro-life,' people would have no problem with terminating the pregnancy if you could do so in a way that did not kill the prenatal human specimen. So it's not that they are against abortion itself as it is that they are against the killing of the "unborn child." Besides, 'anti-abortion rights,' seems to presume that there ARE abortion rights to be against. While that may be true, that's what logicians call "begging the question."
Conner Alford
Would that mean that I am 'anti-choice,' because I do not support the father's right to choose whether or not to pay child support?
Conner Alford
Is this a error, or does the Socialist Party USA self-identify as pro-life, while beginning their stance "Supports...right to choose..."? "Socialist Party USA: Pro-life. Supports every woman's right to choose when, if, and how to have children, including the right to free abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy."
Phillip White
You are correct. The Socialist Party is Pro-Choice. We will change that right away.
Taylor Peck
Taylor Peck~~ Nice foto of Holden.
Diana Goodavage
Shouldn't the Socialist Party USA read 'pro-choice', based on the comment above?
Al Sanza
Al, you are correct. The Socialist Party is Pro-Choice. We corrected their position.
Taylor Peck
The most successful nations in the world, today are Socialists. Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany...but I suspect they are not touted in the See Spot Run literature you read. And you are men, no idea what it is like to be pregnant, to stupid to care. And while you are at it, Death Panels for the Elderly, with Ryan's no go voucher plan that falls short of everything.
Arlyne Euler
Those are not socialist nations Arlyne. You need to do some more research before spouting off your peusdo intellect. You truly do have a dizzying intellect if that is going so far to presume you have any intellect...grow up...
Tim Berglund
Connie, I agree; we would never use the term Pro-Abortion - no one wants abortion.
Al Sanza
It is official - I need to create my own party -
Cheryl Sanza
Al Sanza: I disagree. I think some people are truly pro-abortion. They support abortion because they think it's a good thing, either in and of itself or in that it has positive consequences. And plenty of people want abortions, that's why they choose to obtain them.
Conner Alford
@Lynda Karr-Mitsakos: Plenty of people think abortion is a good thing. Take this feminist blog, for example: http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2007/02/23/abortion-is-a-moral-good/ Peter Singer has also argued that abortion is a good thing, as did the eugenicists who founded the abortion movement.
Conner Alford
Conner Alford ~~ And Thomas Malthus --- and, all ZPG folks.
Diana Goodavage
Connie, I agree with you although I would term it "anti-abortion". I am surprised by Gary Johnson & Ron Paul, calling themselves Libertarian as they do.
Allen G. Tomlinson
Gary Johnson supports abortion, and Ron Paul thinks it should be determined by the states. In any case, being pro-life is perfectly consistent with the libertarian ideology. Being pro-choice is also consistent with the ideology. It all depends on your disposition towards the prenatal human specimen. Johnson believes it is a person deserving of rights after the first trimester, so he wants to defend those rights. Ron Paul believes it's a person from conception, but he doesn't believe the federal government should get involved.
Conner Alford
Conner Alford, I am not being snarky. I have never heard of "prenatal human specimen". Is this a term you came up with?
Lana Piedra
Lana Piedra: Yeah, I feel like it's more neutral. "Unborn child," has too much emotional charge. "Potential human," and 'potential life,' are both scientifically inaccurate and suggest the prenatal population is somehow inferior to 'actual humans.' A prenatal human specimen, however, is just that: an unborn member of the species homo sapiens. Zygotes, blastocysts, embryos, fetuses, etc...they all fit into this category quite well. Plus, the word 'specimen,' takes away from any emotional charge people might attach to 'human.' Don't you think?
Conner Alford
I see your point, I don't necessarily agree for all kinds of reasons (I won't bore you). As for making it "less emotional charged", I figured that was the point, and that kinda neuters and downplays the situation. I do like your creativity (serious, no snark). It is great to be able to "talk" about issues in a thoughtful, intelligent way, even if we (those on this page) don't agree at all times.
Lana Piedra
I wouldn't be bored at all, I'm quite interested. I don't know that it downplays the situation. I think it's possible to acknowledge that there is an emotional charge to a topic but to push that aside for the purpose of civilized conversation. Removing the emotional charge allows us to analyze the issue rationally.
Conner Alford
Isn't it time for the Libertarian party to take a stand against abortion as a method of birth control, though, instead of it's wishy-washy "keep the government out of it" stance? The LP has to believe there are certain unalienable rights that the federal government is duty-bound to protect, life being the primary of these, as without it, there is no need for liberty, no ability to pursue happiness.
Amy Weierman
I suppose someone could say "He is a fine specimen of a man," but I've never heard it said of a baby. Just sayin!
Dianne Millard
Conner Alford ~~ Well, of course ---- just like calling slaves "property" and calling disabled people "useless eaters" (as the Gestapo did). It definitely DOES de-emphasize the rights of the scapegoat, as we do when we dehumanize and degrade our fellow human beings.
Diana Goodavage
Ron Paul, not very libertarian, very anti-choice.
Patricia King
Read the above....choice is uninformed murder. Don't get pregnant if you want to avoid murder
Lana Piedra
So what happens if you are a virgin not on contraception and are raped ? Would you force that woman to go through the hell of birth ?
Chrissy Lindsley
Chrissy Lindsley Would you execute an innocent son or daughter for the crime of her or his father?
Diana Goodavage
I believe the Abortion issue is a war on children. It shouldn't be Pro or Anti Abortion, but Pro or Anti Children. I am Pro Child. They are children upon conception.
John Voorhees
Amen, they (unborn babies) are not able to speak for themselves at this point, so they must be protected.
Adeline Fendley
A clump of undifferentiated cells is NOT a child! I can understand pushing for restricting abortion after the first trimester, but upon conception? Please. It's a fertilized egg, and no more a human being than an acorn is an oak.
Cathryn Sykes
Funny how if Scientist find a single cell on another planet, they will scream and shout "LIFE!" but a single cell in a woman's body, you claim is "clump of undifferentiated cells". It is a human life, they are just under development.
John Voorhees
Cathryn that clump of cells is potentially a child so I see where you are coming from Choosing abortion is a really difficult choice for any woman
Chrissy Lindsley
Cathryn Sykes There would be no oak trees without the acorn and there would be no people without the "clump of undifferentiated cells". That "clump" as you call it holds everything the child will become ie eye color, hair, height, talents, abilities, etc etc.
Shirley Anne Schasse
John Voorhees Actually, scientists have acknowledged that the unborn child is a whole, individual, living human. In fact, educated pro-choice leaders already concede these facts. This video proves that point with several scientific, legal, and pro-choice quotations/citations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRuJ7BupDxk Only the ignorant deny the humanity of the prenatal child.
Conner Alford
"Only the ignorant deny the humanity of the prenatal child." I agree, but those whom support the Anti-child issue not only deny the humanity, they don't even acknowledge it as life. If it was considered human, then there would not be any question about the value of the child's life.
John Voorhees
Yes, many pro-choice persons deny that life begins at conception. These individuals are of course ignorant. On the other hand, I disagree with the notion that if we accepted the prenatal child as a living human that "there would not be any question about the value of the child's life." Many pro-choice leaders have argued that even if the unborn child is a living human, we should be allowed to kill it. Judith Jarvis Thompson is one example. Peter Singer, appointed as an healthcare adviser by Obama, is another. Indeed, Peter Singer not only says that we should allow people to kill unborn children, he says we should implement a system of infanticide whereby parents can kill children months after they are born. Obama seems to support this two. He's voted on two separate occasions to uphold infanticide.
Conner Alford
Cathryn Sykes - Shame on you for calling a child a "clump of undifferientiated cells". Obviously you have no children and do not value human life as a gift from God. If a fertilized egg is just a clump of cells, than tell me why every women who has ever had a miscarriage feels real pain of a mother loosing a child?
Sara Shade Boucher
If your its just a clump of cells and not a child, then obviously you aren't pregnant. So why would you ever need an abortion?
Andrew Henderson
How about we call it - to murder a fetus or not to murder a fetus. A choice - to step on the bug or not to step on the bug. Pro-life = let living things live. DECIDE!
Patricia L Tanyhill
Only God just be the judge as to what life comes into this world and what life is taken out. God gave man/people dominion over the earth but not each other - God would have dominion over humans - but the fall of man over ruled that - but got still has power over life and death.
Patricia L Tanyhill
Most people who are Pro choice have a problem with the label Pro Life because it casts a certain guilt. No one likes to be called a murderer...
Tim Berglund
Yet, that is what it is. I believe in choice....but informed choice. If you have any other kind of invasive procedure, you are required to receive succinct information about what will transpire, how it will happen, and the risks involved. My belief is that if every women were fully informed of what was taking place in her body (ultrasound), what will transpire (act of abortion), and what the risks are, many more women would NOT opt for abortion.
Lana Piedra
I think abortion should be illegal, but I don't think supporting or even obtaining an abortion is murder. In order for somebody to be guilty of murder, they have to have had malicious intent. I don't think the mother's who obtain abortions have any malicious sentiments towards the prenatal human specimen. They are simply terminating its life because the 'unborn child,' is a nuisance in some way: emotionally, socially, professionally, etc. At the very greatest that might be manslaughter, but in this case I think there are other mitigating factors: the emotional, physical, and financial strains of a pregnancy, for example> Lana Piedra also points something out. Many women are misinformed. Abortion providing organizations like Planned Parenthood have fought legal battles to lie to their patients about the status of the fetus, leading them to believe that they are not human. In some cases they have lost, but in others they have not. So, depending on what state you are in, a woman obtaining an abortion may not even know that abortion kills a living human. So that would be like if I told you "You have cancer but I can remove your tumor." Then you say, "Sure, remove the tumor." Then later it turns out that it wasn't a tumor, but a living human attached to your body. Would that make you a murderer? No. it would make me a murderer for having lied to you and killed this person.
Conner Alford
I am sorry Conner but that is twaddle Of course women know that the fetus is a viable little person . Of course they know when they have an abortion that they are taking a life potentially , that's why that choice is not easy and many women suffer psychological trauma from the decision , which is not taken for stupid reasons like "I might mess up my career" Get real = You make all women out to be as stupid as you appear to be
Chrissy Lindsley
Many pro-lifers are hypocrits on issues aside form abortion.
Justin Indigo
Actually, pro-choice folks decided to call themselves "pro-choice" a long time ago. "Pro-life" folks always called themselves "pro-life", but they called others "pro-abortion". But, then, those --- (formerly known as) "pro-abortion" folks decided they wanted to be called "pro-choice" instead of "pro-abortion". They said it was more positive, as "pro-life" is a positive label, and they didn't want to sound mean and nasty. They said, "Nobody is actually FOR abortion. We are only FOR the right to CHOOSE abortion. Therefore, we prefer to be called 'pro-choice'." This conversation is satirized in The Life of Brian movie, when the guys of the People's Front of Judea (or was it the People's Judean Front?) said: "We don't actually want to HAVE a baby. We just want THE RIGHT to have a baby." God bless.
Diana Goodavage
I think a woman has the right to do what ever she wants with her body. No one is going to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body America is a country of freedom. Why are men trying to change it. Maybe if we made it a law that they raise and take care of unwanted babies they would change their mind.
Bonnie Townley Jernagan
Every female no matter what her political party is should be looking at this and thinking hard about what it means. These men are trying to change our rights with no regard to what we think. Personhood scares the ---- out of me and they want to push it thru.
Meredith Taylor
They want to stop abortion and cut off wefare to poor women and children. What happens to all these children? Only rich weomen will still be able to get safe care. Romney's wife should wear a burka
Cherrine Henck
I heard an interview on NPR this morning of a Wisconsin (or Minnesota?) woman who owns a restaurant. When asked who she supported for President... Romney. Why? "Because he has ran a business, and she is a business owner, so he would understand where she is coming from." When asked if she believed in abortion, she said no. Why? "Because if abortion were legal, then the population of the U.S. would suffer. This is a big nation, and a free country, and we need all the population we can get to fill it up." I am not kidding, she actually said that on national radio. The ignorance of these people is astounding. I was under the impression that abortion is currently legal, and I have heard nothing about the population of the U.S. being in a state of decline (quite the opposite in fact). Actually, I think it's getting crowded around here!
Regan Tucker
If you can't afford the child, get birth control. If you can't afford Birth Control, don't have sex. What is the issue. It is your body, take responsibility for it!
John Voorhees
Bonnie what makes you think men are the only ones trying to change abortion? I am a woman and would give everything I have if I could eliminate abortion. Life begins at conception. Six weeks the heart beats. Could you kill a baby at nine months cradled in his mother's arms? Why would you kill him when he is only a few months younger?
Shirley Anne Schasse
One other thing Bonnie. I believe you do have the right to do what you will with your body but not the body of the little person growing inside.
Shirley Anne Schasse
Regan Tucker Hi Regan, I am one of the ignorant people you referred to in your post. Actually the population of actual American citizens is in decline. Check the facts. Have you ever flown and looked out the window? There is a vast amount of uninhabited land, far more than is inhabited. Another fact. Check it out. One more thing. Abortion may be legal. That does not make it right. The bible states "thou shalt not kill" There are no footnotes saying "except if the person is not yet born".
Shirley Anne Schasse
I saw recent post of FB that sums it up. It had a picture of a sperm breaking through to met an ova. The quote, "if this was found on Mars, it would be declared a sign of life, why isn't it the same here on earth"? It is not a choice, it is a human.
Lana Piedra
Bonnie, you're right....however, there is this little matter of Obamacare that may throw a wrench into your steadfastness....
Tim Berglund
Ok I'll take it. We make abortion illegal and as a result every person dedicated to pro-life organizations including myself then become caretakers of unwanted children in "orphanages" for the rest of our lives. Seriously. Its a deal.
David Bartlett
interesting that there are more men commenting on this than woman. yet there are more single parent moms than dads. draw your own conclusions from that...
Connie Campbell
That's sexist.
Conner Alford
Yes it is. Guilty. But, I don't suggest men and women are the "same" we are not the same. Also, my comment is a response the above comment.
Lana Piedra
Acknowledging the difference between men and women is not sexist. Connie Campbell's post is sexist.
Conner Alford
I'll draw a conclusion: men are more abused than women in this nation.
ahearndenis
I conclude men's views are just as valuable as women's views in the abortion debate.
David Bartlett
What blows my mind is that some of the biggest pacifists are those who support abortion. Isn't this a contradiction? If someone who believes that abortion is not wrong wants to get an abortion let them pay or agencies that support this pay with no government support. We who believe in the sactity of life should not be forced to have our taxes to the government support this by money that goes to Planned Parenthood and the like.
Bernie Wertley
amen.
Lana Piedra
I think that the terms "pro-life," and "pro-choice," are both Orwellian. I think it would be more accurate to denote the sides as "prenatal rights activists," and "postnatal supremacists," respectively. I'm sure the negative connotations attached to the word 'supremacist,' will offend those who support abortion, but if you ignore the emotional response it reflects their disposition well.
Conner Alford
I believe Pro Choice believers have a title that they can live with..I'm sure they couldn't handle "Pro-Death" without some form of guilt....
Tim Berglund
Tim Berglund I don't think pro-death would properly characterize the pro-choice movement. On the other hand, pro-choice is also an Orwellian term. Neither one is designed to accurately reflect the nature of the movement. Both "Pro-death," and "pro-choice," are propaganda terms meant to serve political purposes, not to depict the people to which they are being attached.
Conner Alford
Connor, I agree with your statement and yes, the characterization of Pro death wouldn't be fair to those who have some sembalance of intellect regarding the actual choices. I still stand on my opinion that the guilt thing would however, be in play..
Tim Berglund
Tim Berglund: That's probably true. Incidentally, you should check out my youtube channel. You might enjoy the content. If so, please rate up, subscribe, and share so I can reach a larger audience: http://www.youtube.com/user/WarThemedRevolution
Conner Alford
Conner Alford gag, enough PC rewrites. I think both sides are happy with their choice of label.
Lana Piedra
Both sides are happy with the titles, but both titles are still intentionally misleading. We should use labels which accurately reflect the truth, not labels which serve political purposes and dissemble the true nature of the movements to which they are attached.
Conner Alford
I think the Libertarian position should be changed to "I may not agree...". Some Libertarians are anti-abortion (minority), others aren't. The platform calls for keeping the government out of the decision.
June Genis
How come their is any need for abortion, Aren't women supposed to be smarter and more empowered now ( sarcastic tone ) If you don't want a child don't have sex or use 2 forms of protection , I don't think women these days have a lick of sense , they still fall for the , I don't like the feel of condoms, aren't you on the pill, You are to be in control of your body, not the BABIES fault if you are useless.
Sonia Cushman
well the MEN who rule the GOP are trying real hard to stop us women getting contraception They want to cut planned parenthood and are up in arms at the Obama care proposal that health insurance companies have to offer it and other preventative care to all women members
Chrissy Lindsley
What's with all the anti-man sexism on here? In any case, men control both parties and nobody is opposed to contraceptive access. The Republican concern is forcing medical professionals to provide services they are morally opposed to: including but not limited to the proliferation of contraceptives to MEN as well as women. This "Look at the big evil men waging a war on women," stuff is just sexist fear mongering designed to demonize the male gender. It's misandry.
Conner Alford
If they are so unopposed why have they cut funding It is nothing to do with doctors and health professionals views Women in power are still few and far between and it seems like some men (not all) want to keep it that way I know why several men have told me they did not vote with GOP at the last election - they could not stand the thought of a woman as VP - even though Sarah Palin was a darned good candidate
Chrissy Lindsley
There are many different reasons why people want to cut funding to Planned Parenthood in particular and contraceptive providers in general. With regards to Planned Parenthood, I think we should cut funding because it's a lobbying organization and federal law prohibits tax funding for lobbying organizations. Other people want to cut off funding because Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion providing corporation in the nation. As to contraceptives in general, perhaps they just don't want to buy other people's condoms for them? Women are underrepresented in the leadership of both parties, but they are there and many of them are triyng to cut off funding for contraceptives the same as everyone else. Sarah Palin is one example. The previous director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is another example. Yet you choose to say "The MEN are trying real hard to stop us women..." while ignoring the fact that A) men are not the only ones who want to cut off funding and, B) women are not the only ones who use contraception. That's sexist. It's demeaning to women because it casts them as hapless victims. It's demeaning to men because it casts them as malicious victimizers.
Conner Alford
Read the initial piece I said ( not all men ) I know many men who did not vote REP because they did not want a woman VP and many others who said if Clinton was VP candidate they would not vote Dems. Yes I am aware Sarah Palin is against planned parenthood and that many women are That is their choice . Many women are anti abortion but want contraception . This is not about condoms . Women want to regulate the menses because quite frankly for most of us it is painful and a pain in the butt that stops us living our lives fully. Plus that awful PMS which you men can't live with , the contraceptive pill helps with all those symptoms . If you want to stop funding via planned parenthood due to its stance on abortion that I have no problem with but don't try and stop the alternative.Women have for many years been victims of poor policy which does not take into account their circumstances I think the discourse proves we do not see ourselves as hapless victims ,we now have a voice .If we are not victims then men can scarcely be victimisers
Chrissy Lindsley
I think you forgot to mention everyone's position on partial-abortion...
Kody C Krady
Despite Republican fantasies, women are not running around waiting till their 8th month of pregnancy to decide to abort. It is expensive and painful. It is not something you do on a lark like getting your nails done. There are many fetuses that are going to be born dead or die within minutes or be forced to undergo multiple painful surgeries that cause the body to swell so badly that the wounds cannot be sealed all the while knowing that the child will be a vegetable or die within the year anyway. There are even babies that are dead but would have to be carried to term.
Tiffany Sparks-Bramlett
I think the term "pro-life" cuts through the web of misinformation surrounding abortion. It reveals the hard truth that an abortion takes a life and if there is any choice about it, it is the choice to end that life. I support a person's right to choose many things without government interference, but the choice to end the life of another human person, in or out of the mother's womb, is not one of them.
Gary Beaubouef
While I think it's an awful thing, I think it's the woman's choice.
Ashley James
You're right, Will, and I've thought this way since 1976 when I first voted for Jimmy Carter. I've long been a registered member of the Democrat Party, thinking the Democrat Party platform more progressive and friendlier to those more in need. Unfortunately, over the years, I've watched as the Democrat Party alienated pro life members of the party, even refusing to allow them to speak at party conventions and basically throwing them under the bus anytime the subject of abortion is considered. I'm not a one issue voter . . . never have been . . . but I also don't give my vote away only to be ignored and defamed by those who recieve it. Not sure who I will vote for in November, but either way, it won't be an enthusiastic one.
Gary Beaubouef
You are absolutely right, Ashley . . . abortion is an awful thing.
Gary Beaubouef
I understand your position, Will, and as a general principle, agree with it. Yet (and this is a rhetorical question NOT directed personally at you), every time I hear it expressed I am left to wonder if, for each individual deciding which candidates or parties to support, there is one issue or principle they are not willing to compromise. Might it be capital punishment? Or war? Or immigration? Or black slavery? Or women's rights (other than abortion)? The so-called "pro-choice" supporters (a misleading descriptor, as it begs the essential question underlying the issue) such as NARAL seem to have made that choice, in the past targeting such pro-life Democrats as Robert Casey for unseating. So, are pro-lifers, who see abortion as actual murder (and not just the moral equivalent) any more narrow-minded? It is not an easy call.
William Purcell
Yes William you are correct in that abortion is the only real issue being discussed I want to know the candidates stance on 1 How are they going to pay down the national debt 2 What are their tax policies 3 what ecological priorities do they have 4 How will they create jobs 5 How will they ensure health care is available cheaply to all American citizens and of good quality 6 How will they bring down the appalling figures on maternal and child deaths 7 How will they ensure equal access to education including how student loans are managed 8 How will they ensure legislative bodies are not tainted by big business buying decisions 9 How are they going to ensure internal investment 10 How are they going to close some of the loopholes which enables the very rich to avoid taxes 11 How are they going to stop big businesses moving abroad for production 12 What is their stance on programs which help the poor like TANF , Head Start etc. 13 What are their fiscal priorities ( where should cuts happen ) 14 What is their stance on gun control 15 What is their stance on capital punishment 16 How are they going to deal with the immigration issue These are not in any order of importance but all are important to most people on picking candidates . I have never voted for any candidate just because my family have always done so and never will . Lets have something that does not hinge on ONE issue but ALL the issues
Chrissy Lindsley
Ashley James It shouldn't have ever been allowed for a woman to choose to kill her baby,that IS murder.
Ken Robinson
Spoken like a true male. I'm inclined to believe Florynce Kennedy when she said, "If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a Sacrament."
Emily Fotis
Emily Fotis And if men could choose whether to carry a child to term or not, child support payments would be illegal. It cuts both ways.
Ummon Karpe
JUSTICE. We The People have used our voices, our votes, to declare what we want (and what we will not tolerate) for our own lives. Go focus on having joyful, productive lives yourselves, and leave us alone to live ours. We have spoken.
Emily Fotis
Which is more important, a freedom or a life, i say a life.
Bobby Weant
Not only do I believe abortions are imoral, they also hurt the long term economy.
Bobby Weant
I'm pro life because the right to life extends to all people. Rights do not exist where other people's rights are harmed, thus no woman has a right to abort her child. A women does have the opportunity to not have a child, and can achieve through abstinence or contraception. A possible consequence of sex is a child (we know this). The reason for most abortions is this: convenience. Most murders in America are the result of the desire for convenience. Whatever the reason, murderers kill to create a better life for themselves. Whether it be money, the quality of life of the child, or shame, none of these justify murder- fetuses or otherwise. "I just don't believe the government should be telling women what to do with their uteri". Actually, because an action to one's womb will deprive a human of his right to life, it is just and good for the government to protect fetuses from their mothers if the mother means to harm it. "In order to me murder, it must be 'malicious'". B.S. I could easily murder somebody without being malicious. Anyway, the word you use to describe abortion doesn't have any useful effect on the debate. If I couldn't use the word "murder", I'd just stick with "abortion". No matter what argument you use to support abortion, a pretty rare one is the only one that really matters, as it is the one that is used by Roe in Roe v. Wade. And it is that since a mother never signed a contract with the child, the mother can terminate her pregnancy at the expense of the child. This of course is ridiculous: a fetus can't sign a contract. But forget that. As a law abiding citizen of the United States of America, the mother has in fact signed a contract with that child through what we know as the Social Contract. And when one breaks the social contract- which is that all of us will give up our freedom to ensure our rights- the government inflicts fine or penalties. Therefore the government has the right and responsibility to illegalize abortion and to punish those responsible for it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me exactally where I'm wrong.
David Bartlett
Just my fully comprehensive and hopefully perfectly-convincing argument against abortion.
David Bartlett
Pro Life people typically aren't actually pro-life, but rather, are anti-abortion and pro forced-birth.
Justin Indigo
I CA;;N NOT & WILL NOT VOTE 4 A PERSON WHO BELEAVES IN KILLING BABIES;;; EVEN ROE V. WADE HAS SAID I QUOTE SAY'S IT WAS THE WRONG DECISSON & REGRETS IT NOW... A PERSONAL NOTE I KNEW A GIRL WHO HAD A ABORTION YR'S AGO SHE HAS BEEN IN & OUT OF MENTAIL INS. HER WHOLE LIFE 4 A MISTAKE SHE MADE SO MANY YR'S AGO''''' IT WILL FOLLOW U THE REST OF YOURE LIFE [I WOULD RATHER HAVE MY CHILD FOLLOWING ME 4 THE REST OF MY LIFE our country WILL NEVER PROSPER IF WERE KILLING THE NEXT GENERATION....OH I SEEN A BABY THAT WAS BORN AT 16 WKS. SHE HAD ALL HER FINGER & TOES DARK HAIR A BEAUTIFUL BABY''''''''''.
Charlotte Clark
You gave up your choice by screwing around.
Travis Bancroft
Wow! That's really harsh Trav.
Cheri Syers
That is life.
Travis Bancroft
I am not FOR abortion, but would rather see women who are, especially very young women, who may be scared, to have the abortion in a clinic. Overturn Roe v Wade and back alley abortionists will set up overnight. Also, I do not understand how some of the people are Pro Life , but, at the same time are for the death penalty. Aren't both both playing God?
Rachel Ann Smith Dickerson
Most death penalties are for taking someone's life! Babies do not take anyone's life.
Dianne Millard
Dianne, innocent men have been put to death for the crimes that others have committed. This has been proven in more than one instance, after, it was too late. If that "oops, wrong guy", were my husband, son, or father (or yours), could you say, " Well, dad was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but, at least they do convict and murder the right guy PART of the time." I couldn't.
Rachel Ann Smith Dickerson
I am not "for" the death penalty.
Diana Goodavage