Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is confused about his stance on the issue of abortion in America.
Obama initially was endorsed by NARAL and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, a special interest PAC. In exchange, he promised to make the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) a focal point of his presidency.
NARAL gave Obama a 100% Pro-Choice rating, in stark contrast to McCain’s 0% rating.
FOCA would repeal any limitations on abortion passed by individual states, eliminating requirements for waiting periods or parental notification on a federal level.
The Obama campaign website states “he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President.”
Then, pro-life groups started publishing comments he made during the debate over Illinois SB 1093. Many Americans considered his calling abortion survivors “temporarily alive outside the womb” to be fairly radical, as were his assertions that these babies did not need mandated medical care nor definition as persons.
Obama unwittingly fanned the flames by later stating he didn’t want his daughters “punished with a baby” at a Pennsylvania town hall meeting.
Sensing that he may lose precious ground with Evangelicals and Catholics, who are said to be flocking to his campaign over social justice issues, Obama quickly backpedaled.
In an interview with Relevant magazine, a Christian publication, Obama stated that “it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. Now, I don’t think that “mental distress” qualifies.”
“Mental distress” is the most common reason cited for third trimester abortions.
Which is it, Senator Obama? Are you a champion for unrestricted abortion on demand, or are you inching towards a more moderate abortion stance?
