Abortion

From Pete Ashdown Campaign Collaboration Wiki

The federal government must join with responsible communities and families to reduce elective abortion. Recently, Midvale, Utah has made great strides in reducing teen pregnancy through use of community development block grants teaching personal responsibility both before and after conception of a child. Let's promote this model program nationwide.

The Preamble of the Constitution charges the federal government with promoting the general welfare, in this case, reducing child and infant mortality as part of a general health care program.

A woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy is shared with her doctor, her faith, and her family--not with an ever-expanding federal government.

The federal government does not belong in the debate over the morality of abortion. When life begins or whether abortion is ever appropriate is a deeply personal belief. I would never wish any woman to have to face this difficult decision. Women should have the option for safe pregnancy termination. Women do not have third trimester abortions unless it is for a very good reason; health and life of the women, or because a fetus is severely deformed or dead. Even then, late-term abortions represent only about 2 percent of all abortions performed. They are a valid consideration when deciding the legality of abortion, but it is irresponsible to use them as the primary deciding factor.

The United States constitution upholds a woman's right to make this decision for herself. State legislators continue to test this, but I believe legal prohibition of abortion would require a constitutional amendment. Such amendments have also failed time and time again. Instead of attempting to control individuals through constitutional amendments, let's control the demand for abortion with the sensible use of contraception, education, and abstinence.