Democrats on Abortion

wplog

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007 | 7:47 p.m.

Joe BidenVoted in favor of banning partial birth abortions, but supports the protection of Roe v. Wade. Finds middle ground with his faith as a Catholic and responsibilities as a Democratic Senator in a woman’s right to privacy. He voted in favor of the $100 million dollar fund to reduce teen pregnancy through education and contraceptives. He is not in favor of public funding for abortions… more. | Other issues | Bio

Hillary ClintonEvery woman should have the right to choose whether to have an abortion. Because such a choice is difficult for women, there should be a means of support for those who do choose abortions and support for those who make alternative decisions. Such support includes reaching out to young people and giving them the tools to make informed decisions so that abortion does not have to be a choice and abortions would be rare. Adoptions need to be easier for people to pursue. The pro-life and pro-choice factions should come together and reach some sort of common ground. Any judicial appointees will need to uphold the constitutionality of Roe v. Wade… more

Other issues | Bio

Chris DoddScored 100 percent with NARAL, the political watchdog group for abortion rights, but his pro-choice stance was questioned because of the vote casted in favor of Chief Justice Roberts in 2005 who constitutionally upheld the ban on partial-birth abortions in 2007. He voted no on banning partial-birth abortions and believes that abortions should be safe and legal for women… more. | Other issues | Bio

John EdwardsA woman should have the right to choose. The government should not make such a health care decision for women. A woman should make that decision with her family and her doctor in the context of her own religious and ethical values. Federal funding should be allowed for family planning. The current federal policy concerning embryonic stem cell research should be changed to allow more research… more. | Other issues | Bio

Mike GravelGravel has said he believes “there is no room for interference from politicians and judges” when it comes to women’s reproductive rights. He believes decisions about abortions should remain between a woman and her doctor. Gravel advocates comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education including accurate information about contraception to raise sexual health and awareness over reproductive issues. After a 5-4 Supreme Court vote in April to uphold the nation’s ban on the so-called ‘partial-birth abortion, Gravel issued a statement saying he opposes all restrictions on abortions… more. | Other issues | Bio

Dennis KucinichHe was traditionally a supporter of pro-life, but switched from pro-life position to pro-choice in 2002 based upon knowledge of women’s health risks. He states that pro-choice underscores women’s rights to privacy and equality. He says more important than how abortion as a law is decided are the provisions providing for the proper medical care and education that decreases the instances of abortion… more. | Other issues | Bio

Barack ObamaHas consistently fought to protect Roe v. Wade since running in the Illinois State Senate race. Believes in leaving the decision of abortion and partial birth abortion to the woman and the people she chooses to include in her decision. Discussing legality and morality of abortion is not enough though; debate must reach out to broader issues such as preventing teen pregnancy and decreasing the probability that a woman will face the decision of abortion. In 2005 voted in favor of giving $100 million to reducing teen pregnancy through education and contraceptives… more. | Other issues | Bio

Bill RichardsonHe is pro-choice and promises to support abortion rights and medical privacy for women. He is the only candidate who has said he was committed to appointing judges who consider Roe v. Wade settled law… more. | Other issues | Bio

— Las Vegas Sun new media managing editor Dave Toplikar and interns Jenna Kohler and April Corbin contributed to this report.