• 1. Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
    Take your position.
    • Oppose
    • Support
    Importance
    • Very
    • Somewhat
Background

The issue of abortion is one of the most contentious, and emotive dilemmas faced by modern societies. The question is whether one should allow the termination of a pregnancy. For some, the question is even more fundamental: at what stage is the embryo or fetus in the uterus to be regarded as a child? At fertilization? At birth? Or, maybe somewhere between. The battle-lines are drawn between strict, religious ('pro-life') arguments (that it is never permissible), and those ('pro-choice') that emphasise the woman's right to choose as the primary concern. While abortion has been legal in America since the land-mark Roe vs. Wade case in the early 1970s, this is by no means a reflection of universal agreement – either international or within America itself – as many Western countries still have considerable restrictions on abortion. For example, the Irish position has softened only recently, and the Catholic Church steadfastly refuses to change its resolutely pro-life stance in the face of criticism from Women's and other lobby-groups.

(Source: DEBATEPEDIA)
Official Democratic Position

The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. We oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way. We also recognize that health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. We strongly and unequivocally support a woman's decision to have a child by providing affordable health care and ensuring the availability of and access to programs that help women during pregnancy and after the birth of a child, including caring adoption programs.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform Sep 4, 2012
Official Republican Position

Faithful to the "self-evident" truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children. We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion or fund organizations which perform or advocate it and will not fund or subsidize health care which includes abortion coverage. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life. We oppose the non-consensual withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment, including food and water, from people with disabilities, including newborns, as well as the elderly and infirm, just as we oppose active and passive euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012
Candidates' Choice
Issue in the News
The Big Cases Still to Be Decided at the Supreme Court
06/05/2016
By AUDREY TAYLORGENEVA SANDS | ABC NEWS
Congresswomen Of Color Denounce 'Racist' Abortion Bill
04/16/2016 04:06
By Laura Bassett | The Huffington Post
Clinton (accidentally) speaks abortion truth: Column
04/14/2016
By Ashley E. McGuire | USA TODAY?
Abortion: A Woman's Right
04/08/2016
By Rachel Hawkins | The Huffington Post
Trump says he never dated a woman who had an abortion
04/08/2016
By Mary Jordan | The Washington Post
Discuss this issue...
  • 0 Comments