Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says "mental distress" should not qualify as a justification for late-term abortions, a key distinction not embraced by many supporters of abortion rights.
In an interview this week with "Relevant," a Christian magazine, Obama said prohibitions on late-term abortions must contain "a strict, well defined exception for the health of the mother."
Obama then added: "Now, I don't think that 'mental distress' qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy, where there are real, significant problems to the mother carrying that child to term."
Last year, after the Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on late-term abortions, Obama said he "strongly disagreed" with the ruling because it "dramatically departs form previous precedents safeguarding the health of pregnant women."
The health care exception is crucial to abortion rights advocates and is considered a legal loophole by abortion opponents. By limiting the health exception to a "serious physical issue," Obama set himself apart from other abortion rights proponents.
Abortion. You know of all of the liberal issues this is the one that I struggle with the most.
My love of children and desire to protect them make it very hard for me to rationalize the idea of ending a pregnancy simply because it is inconvenient or an accident. After all I myself was one of those accidents.
And if I was not as aware of the bigger issues I could see myself being a very outspoken opponent of abortion. But I am aware of the bigger picture.
I have seen what can become of a child born to a mother too young or unprepared for the responsibilities. I know that the world is becoming overcrowded at an alarming rate. I know that most pregnancies are ended when the embryo is barely formed. And I know that if parents and schools did a better job of educating our children we would have far fewer unwanted pregnancies. I know all of that. But it is still hard.
I watched the movie "Juno" last night. It is an amazing film, and I encourage everyone to watch it. It addresses in a humorous fashion ALL of the problems that teen pregnancy can produce.
Anyhow I think I have to say that I am with Obama on this issue even though I know it will further damage him politically among some of our more strident supporters of a woman's right to choose. And I know that like me Barack struggles with his feelings on this issue, and I respect his nuanced opinions.
I just commented on this elsewhere. I am a firm advocate of women's choice, but also have strong feelings about late-term abo's. I'm glad Obama has taken this on in the fashion I would've most wanted to see it addressed. What I always want to scream at late-termers whose problem is purely mental distress is, WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? It's about time we had some sanity on this issue. I know many had hoped Obama would just stay away from it, or mouth the party line, but to me, this is another indication of his thoughtfulness, his ability to address a whole topic & fine-tune the particulars. I do not agree that fine-tuning abortion rights is opening the door for taking them away completely. That door is cracked, however, and all it will take is one more supreme court judge appointed by McCain to fling it wide open.
ReplyDeleteIts the right decision by the court which has banned the late term abortions, keeping mothers health into consideration. Still we have make some more changes like helping women in mental condition. Also the education about women health should know even better. Mothers health is taking into consideration then there should not be late term abortions.
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steve
Alabama Drug Treatment
Its the right decision by the court which has banned the late term abortions, keeping mothers health into consideration.
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stevsnson
New York Drug Treatment
I am so glad that Obama is against late term abortions. We should not allow this. Thank God that the court has also banned this ill practise. Thanks to all who worked for getting this ill treatment banned.
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South Carolina Drug Treatment
The term mother is one of the god gift don't spoil that term In us mostly woman's are taking dessication for abortion .Its the right decision by the court which has banned the late term abortions, keeping mothers health into consideration.And,I am so glad that Obama is against late term abortions.
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reena
Alabama Alcohol Addiction Treatment
In saying that, it appeared that Obama was placing himself at odds with Roe v Wade and subsequent Supreme Court rulings which have upheld the constitutionality of mental-health exceptions. But in a press availabilty on his campaign plane today on the flight from Butte, Mont. to St. Louis, Obama clarified what he meant.
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anupacraig
New Hampshire Alcohol Addiction Treatment