Pro-Lifers Praising New Democratic Party’s Stance On Abortion
Published: August 14, 2008
Some Christian pro-lifers are now praising The Democratic Party’s newly found softer language on abortion as a way to find common ground with those against the practice. While the Democratic Party's platform statement still backs a woman’s right to choose an abortion, the party now is stressing abortion reduction through health care, education and “caring adoption programs.”
Prominent Florida megachurch pastor Joel C. Hunter is among those who praised the party's new shift towards the center. "From my perspective as a conservative evangelical," says Hunter, "Barack Obama's campaign and the Democratic Party have taken a historic and courageous step toward empowering women for an expanded range of choices and saving babies' lives."
Hunter, who describes himself as a “completely pro-life” registered Republican, says the party’s new stance may give pro-life and traditional Republican voters more at ease about supporting presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Hunter said he believes many pro-lifers will be pleased to know “more lives will be saved than if they had just taken a moral stand hoping to overturn Roe versus Wade.” Some centrist evangelicals feel the Republican Party’s goal of overturning Roe V. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortions, has not reduced the practice of abortions. Reducing the abortion rate in America is one of the most popular options that have been discussed by both sides.
But some anti-abortion Christians believe the issue of life is still non-negotiable and don’t see anything to celebrate about in the Democratic Party’s new statement. Orange County Republican Chairman Lew Oliver, said the new wording does not translate to any significant change in the party’s platform. According to The Orlando Sentinel, Oliver said, “I don’t think they’ve changed anything that is fundamental." “That’s all anyone cares about,” he added. “The question about abortion isn’t about finding common ground.”
Republicans and Democrats have long been divided on the abortion issue and it appears it will once again be a key values issue for voters this November. While Republican presidential candidate John McCain has had a consistent anti-abortion Senate record, Democratic rival Barack Obama backs abortion rights. The Democratic Party intends to adopt the new abortion platform statement at its party's presidential nominating convention in Denver later this month.
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Pro-Lifers Praising New Democratic Party’s Stance On Abortion
Published: August 14, 2008
Party says it will now stress abortion reduction through healthcare and adoption
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