A Deadly Debate: Abortion in America
Dr. George Tiller was murdered while attending Church in Wichita, Kansas yesterday. As details develop, the picture is clear: Dr. Tiller was killed for offering abortion services to pregnant women.
No other issue transcends policy and government as completely as the abortion debate. It stretches back to the moment of creation, for each one of us.
What fundamental, undeniable control does a woman have over her own body? At what point does the life of a growing child enter our social compact?
I am pro choice; it feels rights to me. But in debate after debate, I have come to realize the incredible diversity of feelings on the subject. It is certainly one of the most difficult issues facing our country and our government. We need action from our administration to create policies the people of America can follow.
Last week, the White House released a statement saying that President Obama did not ask his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, about her views on abortion during his interview with her. It goes on to feature this quote from the President:
“I believe, however, that a judicial nominee with a history of undermining settled law like Roe v. Wade deserves greater scrutiny…[n]ominees to the federal bench who are out-of-step with mainstream America should not be confirmed.”
An interesting comment, from a President whose strong support for a woman’s right to privacy eroded during his run up to the Presidency. In recent months, he’s sought to avoid a public debate about Choice. But all he’s doing is keeping the Government out of a debate that is happening, one way or another.
A new, widely publicized poll states that Pro Life Americans, for the first time in 15 years, outnumber those who identify as Pro Choice. Many people question the accuracy of those statistics, but the friction from both sides of this debate is unmistakable.
The Obama Administration can not avoid this issue forever. I just hope that, when it comes time to vote, we are able to debate with words, not weapons.
