Barack Obama: Fact vs. Rhetoric on Abortion - SBA List Highlights Obama's Record
by Staff
July 18, 2008
WASHINGTON, July 9 (christiansunite.com) -- Senator Barack Obama attempted to qualify his support for partial-birth abortion this week, stating that he did not feel "mental distress" was an acceptable health exception for obtaining a partial-birth abortion, adding "it is not just a matter of feeling blue." The Susan B. Anthony List offered a response and facts on Obama's record:"Barack Obama knows his extreme record on abortion doesn't resonate with everyday American voters, so now he's trying to soften his image," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "It won't work. From his active opposition to the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act to his support for the radical Freedom of Choice Act, Barack Obama is anything but moderate on abortion. Obama's abortion-friendly voting record shows his commitment to abortion on- demand, at any time, for any reason, funded by American taxpayers."
Barack Obama's actual record on Abortion:
0% rating with the National Right to Life Committee and 100% rating with NARAL Pro-Choice America
Co-Sponsor of the "Freedom of Choice Act" (S.1173), legislation that would nullify nearly all state and federal limitations on abortion, including the federal ban on partial-birth abortion, parental notification laws and waiting periods. It would also allow for taxpayer funding of abortions. Obama told members of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund at their conference, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing I'd do." (July 17, 2007)
Voted against an amendment to allow states to provide health insurance for an unborn child through the federal State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). (August 2, 2007, Roll Call No. 302)
Opposed the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act as an Illinois State Senator, legislation intended to protect babies who survived abortions. Obama spoke against the bill and voted against it three times. President Bush signed a federal version of this legislation in 2002.
Criticized Gonzales v. Carhart, the Supreme Court ruling upholding the federal ban on partial-birth abortion, saying, "I strongly disagree with today's Supreme Court ruling. . .I am extremely concerned that this ruling will embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade, which is established federal law and a matter of equal rights for women."
Endorsed by the two major abortion organizations: NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 146,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process. www.sba-list.org
