Washington D.C., Aug 16, 2012 / 02:06 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A Democratic committee has rejected efforts to broaden the party’s platform in order to acknowledge and welcome “differing positions” on the issue of abortion.
Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats For Life of America, told CNA on Aug. 15 that there is a lack of understanding about the extent of pro-life support within the Democratic Party.
She explained that it can be difficult for pro-life Democrats to speak up about their views, because they face attacks not only from their Republican opponents, but from pro-abortion groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice America as well.
According to Democrats for Life, nearly one-third of all Democrats self-identify as pro-life, and in the 2008 election, about one-fourth of Obama’s supporters considered themselves pro-life.
“These numbers are not trivial,” the group said, pointing to Gallup polling information from 2011 revealing that 61 percent of Democrats support “parental consent for minors seeking abortion.”
In addition, the polling data found that 60 percent of Democrats approved of a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion, and 84 percent of party members support informed consent requirements.
Furthermore, 49 percent of Democrats are in favor of ultrasound requirements before an abortion, while 59 percent support a ban on partial-birth abortions, the data indicated.
“We represent a large contingent and a diverse group of pro-life democrats who want to be represented in the Democratic Party,” said Janet Robert, who serves as president of Democrats For Life of America.
“As a big tent party that is open-minded and inclusive, we should be welcoming to those who are pro-life,” she explained.
“A stronger inclusive party allows us to focus on the issues that unite us such as providing economic opportunity for everyone.”
In an attempt to bring about change, Democrats for Life submitted written testimony proposing new platform language on July 20 and was permitted to subsequently provide oral testimony before the party’s drafting committee.
The committee rejected the proposal. Which does not mean that one should vote Republican; if you believe the Republicans want anything to do with efforts to ban abortion you need your head examined.
You do not have to vote Republican, but what this does mean is that the Democrats are now so anti-life that they simply no longer want a pro-life democrat’s vote- they would rather you stayed home. So don’t. Vote third party instead. If 60% of the Democrats voted for pro life parties, next time around they’ll be begging for you to come back. The answer to this is to take your ball and leave.
You got it, brother.
Yes, but which party is prolife? I haven’t found one yet.I
Well, the Constitution Party is the most anti-abortion party and I’m fairly certain they’re anti-war, but I think they’re pro-death penalty.
You can write someone in. If enough of of us did that…
The top two I’m looking at are the Constitution Party and The Rent Is Too Damn High Party. But both have issues from a “consistent ethic of life standpoint”- the Constitutionalists on The Death Penalty and Isolationism, the Rent people on gay marriage (well, sort of- they’re not actually for gay marriage, they just don’t see how it is any of the government’s business if a man wants to marry a shoe, let alone another man).
Social issues (read: abortion and sexual libertinism) are why I can’t vote for most Democrats; everything else is why I can’t vote for most Republicans. Rocky Anderson 2012!
I would point out that the Republicans are Fiscal Libertines.
Tolerance and diversity!
Which, as we’ve now seen with the New Atheists and the Gay Brownshirts, is just code words for “Celebrate our sin or we’re going to vandalize your churches and hold you up in court forever when you complain”
So where does Rocky Anderson stand on Life issues? I went to his website, but didn’t see his position stated.
He’s pro choice. http://www.ontheissues.org/celeb/Rocky_Anderson_Abortion.htm
Well I guess that scratches ‘ol Rocky from my list
I know. I’m really struggling to find a candidate. I can’t vote Constitution Party because I’m a public employee and a union member. Why are there so few social conservative/economic liberals?
There are so few socially conservative ecconomically liberal politicians because they can’t build a campaign warchest without spending it on homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and unwed mother’s homes.
And personally, much as it leaves me nobody to vote for, I’m not real sure I’d want it any other way.
My focus at the moment is removing Obama and his Anti-Life appointees and underlings from control of this country. Sadly, that means voting for Romney.
Can’t join you. Ryan’s plans for Medicaid, among many other things, are too Anti-Life for me.
I can’t verify this, but apparently “A January Gallup poll revealed 40% of voters identify as Independents [including myself], 31% as Democrats and 27% as Republicans.” So why are they ignoring 40% of voters on their election polling?
I had to laugh: a letter came in the mail from Mitt Romney, dated vaguely “Monday Morning,” and saying “As one of our countries most active Republicans, you have been chosen to take part in the RNC’s 2012 Presidential Issues Survey.” Oh, are the presidents having ‘issues’? And if I’m one of the country’s most active Republicans, I’d like to see inactive!
I’m voting for the US Christian Democratic Party. Not that it makes a difference; I live in California.
Hey, thanks! I hadn’t heard of these guys. I’m always up for a good windmill tilt…