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Obama's Abortion Kerfuffle
July 07, 2008 11:29 AM
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, and his views on abortion have been confounding some observers these days.
And perhaps that's in no small way the reason why the controversial Christian Defense Coalition is launching a new campaign focused on painting Obama as "The Abortion President."
Check out THIS IMAGE of Obama as Uncle Sam: "I Want YOU To Pay for Abortions," courtesy of CBN's Brody File.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, says Obama would have "the most extremist policies on abortion of any President in history. Senator Obama's views on abortion are so radical that he even wants American citizens to pay for them. This would include Catholics, Evangelicals and all people of faith. He would also expand abortion rights through his passionate support of The Freedom of Choice Act."
This ad becomes relevant within the context of Obama's attempts to win over evangelical voters -- some of whose votes may be up for grabs given Obama's comfort discussing his Christian faith and their distrust of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. -- Obama's support for abortion rights will assuredly be a sticking point.
Obama's desire to win these voters may be why, in a recent interview with Relevant magazine, ("Covering God, Life, and Progressive Culture") Obama seemed to be moving rightward on the issue -- rhetorically, at least -- saying:
"I have repeatedly said that I think it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. 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. Otherwise, as long as there is such a medical exception in place, I think we can prohibit late-term abortions."
The language Obama used in that response seemed to remove "mental distress" as an allowable exception justifying a post-22 week abortion.
To some observers, that would seem to go against the Supreme Court decision Doe v. Bolton -- handed down the same day as the more famous (or infamous) Roe v Wade decision legalizing abortion, though the Court said the decisions were to be "read together."
Doe holds that the health exception permitting abortion after viability should be based on a "medical judgment...exercised in the light of all factors -- physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age -- relevant to the wellbeing of the patient," as ABC News' Supreme Court reporter Jan Crawford Greenburg noted over the weekend.
So was Obama suggesting to Relevant that he disagrees with Doe?
That would seem to contradict Obama's support for the "Freedom of Choice Act," which codifies in law a mental health exception for post-viability abortions, legislation that Obama has publicly supported.
The Obama campaign says no, that's not what he was saying, and spokesfolk explained that the senator's use of "mental distress" in the Relevant interview was not a reference to "mental illness."
On Saturday, after a reporter noted to Obama that he had said that mental distress shouldn't be a reason for late-term abortion, Obama clarified, "historically I have been a strong believer in a women's right to choose with her doctor, her pastor and her family...I have consistently been saying that you have to have a health exception on many significant restrictions or bans on abortions including late-term abortions. In the past there has been some fear on the part of people who, not only people who are anti-abortion, but people who may be in the middle, that that means that if a woman just doesn't feel good then that is an exception. That's never been the case."
Obama continued: "I don't think that is how it has been interpreted. My only point is that in an area like partial-birth abortion having a mental, having a health exception can be defined rigorously. It can be defined through physical health, It can be defined by serious clinical mental-health diseases. It is not just a matter of feeling blue. I don't think that's how pro-choice folks have interpreted it. I don't think that's how the courts have interpreted it and I think that's important to emphasize and understand."
But if Obama is saying that "mental distress" is already not a legal exception for abortion bans, then what was the point of what he told Relevant? He maintains he wasn't discussing any view that runs contrary to current abortion law, so it would seem he was just discussing a personal view -- that a woman, 8 1/2 months pregnant, shouldn't be able to get an abortion just because she's feeling blue.
Some abortion opponents suggest that Obama was merely trying to muddy the waters and sound more centrist on the issue -- as if his mind were open to some abortion bans, when in fact he was merely stating current law wrapped in some triangulating language.
- jpt
July 7, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (82)
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There is no principle, no policy, nobody that Obama won't throw under the bus!
The man stands for nothing and believes in nothing.
Now he doesn't think there should be a mental distress exception - -what does this man know about it? Nothing.
He knows he cheated to be 'selected' as the nominee, and now that tons of Democrats will not vote for him -- he is running to pander to the Evangelicals, and running toward Bush on FIS, Iraq, abortion, and reneging on public financing.
Anyone who excuses thid man's flip-flops, or votes for him,is a fool.
He will disappoint you all.
He should just stick to the teleprompter -- every time he opens his mouth otherwise, it's another disaster.
No, wait. I take that back -- let him talk off the cuff about ALL the issues -- perhaps then the American people will see him for who he truly is -- a liar and an unqualified man with 20 years of crooked and divisive associates. He didn't have the "judgment" to walk away from any of them till the political landscape forced him to do so.
Now that's change we can believe in. LOL.
Posted by: Annagain | Jul 8, 2008 12:07:32 AM
Obama's words on a woman's health choice is more of the same demeaning language....as in "feeling blue." What a stupid belittling comment as if women would make such important decisions because of a mood swing. Obama is a SEXIST and GENDER BIGOT.
Anyone knowledgeable in abortion issues would know that sometimes in late term that it is discovered that the baby will not survive birth because of deformities (e.g. only a brain stem)... yet it is not a "physical" health issue for the woman per se. In fact, a Florida woman in just this situation (and who wanted to donate the fetus organs) was prevented from a late term abortion. Note: forcing birth and waiting for the brainless baby to die would destroy the viability of the organs for donation.
Posted by: nickberry | Jul 7, 2008 9:54:18 PM
They call him, "Flipper! Flipper!"
Posted by: jeep395 | Jul 7, 2008 7:35:18 PM
Sounds to me that everyone here isn't paying attention. You cite Christian principles, yet you don't practice them (well, you pick and choose anyway). You argue about tax payers financing abortion, yet you forget that tax payers are already financing things that some don't agree with (war, faith based programs, abstinence ed.). And then, of all things, you call McCain a "hero!" Please research the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, educate yourselves as to how McCain treated POWs and their families and then get back to me on what a "hero" he was.
Posted by: justin | Jul 7, 2008 6:32:55 PM
I think the thing that is not covered enough is that Sen. Obama told Relevant Magazine that he would seek to reduce abortions by 'abstinence education and teaching children the sacredness of sex'.
That is simply outrageous and a right-wing talking point that should be thrown out the window. Instead of talking about sex-ed and family planning, he is talking about crack-pot, failed and stupid right-wing non-sense techniques that have been long opposed by Pro-choicers. The anti-choice crowd must love that now there is broad concensus on their stupid agenda. Obama is really insane.
Posted by: Joan | Jul 7, 2008 5:52:50 PM
HoosierSue, in one of the debates where Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton were detailing the differences between their health care plans, Sen. Clinton stated that those individuals who are pleased with their health care insurance can keep it, but then she immediately added: "FOR NOW!"
Posted by: James Danley | Jul 7, 2008 5:36:33 PM
NARL has stated that Obama's remarks for Relevant were consistent with the Roe vs Wade parameters for late term abortion. The groups that are asserting his inconsistency are anti-abortion. And you would think that they would welcome an inconsistency, rather than criticize it.
Posted by: kat | Jul 7, 2008 4:47:02 PM
judyc, actually Hillary's plan was you keep your current insurance if you like it, but she'd open up the Congressional Health Plan at an affordable cost to everyone. Obama has merely said he'd lower the cost and if you don't want to buy insurance, no problem, you can just buy into a plan when you need to enter the hospital. Why would anyone pay for insurance under Obama's plan?
No wonder Obama has so many supporters! They haven't been listening to what he's saying.
Which brings me to... what's Obama's Iraq policy today? And if you voted for him on that issue, aren't you glad? I heard straight from the flipflopper's mouth today that he'd never set or promised a timeline for troop withdrawal. Guess that "one year" that morphed into "16 months" was all our imaginations, right? But I know you'll all spin, spin, spin to assert that Obama hasn't reversed position yet again. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.
Posted by: HoosierSue | Jul 7, 2008 4:36:36 PM
Seems that the flecks of froth from the rabid jaws of radical pro-lifers are finally getting into their eyes and blinding them even more.
How can saying that 'feeling blue' is not a justification to have an abortion be wrong or cause for criticism?
As I have heard Obama say that his goal would be to reduce the amount of abortions overall and to leave the 'choice' to the woman, her doctor and her pastor, I do not understand why so many people are behaving as if he is willing to rip full term babies from the womb and toss them in the garbage...by my understanding of his stated positions, nothing could be further from the truth.
Get a grip, folks...distortions of facts result in twisted minds and twisted minds are not likely to produce rational opinions...the many ignorant, snide and bitter examples posted here demonstrate as much.
If nothing else, Obama is increasingly rational and if that means taking the Middle Way...more power to him!
Posted by: Derek | Jul 7, 2008 4:05:46 PM
"Obama is a centrist on most issues."
Baloney!! He is trying to paint himself as a centrist to get elected but he is as radically far-left as they come! I suspect his most ardent supporters KNOW this but are trying to help him project a centrist image to get him into the White House. NOBAMA, NO WAY. Go John McCain, the All-American Hero!
P.S.: Love your column, Jake!
Posted by: FlaLady | Jul 7, 2008 3:58:00 PM
All he said was no if the woman is of two minds about her pregnancy after the baby is viable. It's pretty much law anyway so what's the fuss?
Go fill up your gas tank.
Look at your heating bill this winter.
Look at your 401K tanking.
Watch your son /daughter look for a good job at a livable wage.
Thank Bush and by extension, McSame
Posted by: Mariawr | Jul 7, 2008 3:55:55 PM
john93, why would anyone (such as Mr Obama) want to ban late term abortions?
Posted by: Keepyourheelsdown | Jul 7, 2008 3:54:07 PM
linda n carolina, thanks for your honest answer. That's refreshing. And thanks for being nice about it.
Posted by: Keepyourheelsdown | Jul 7, 2008 3:52:04 PM
You people need to get a life. Just because his words may not be EXACTLY the same as a previous comment or vote, doesn't mean he isn't the far better than the republicans to rule our country.
He has always been pro-choice, but he is indicating that late-term abortions can be banned. You folks need to look at the big picture: Our economy is crumbling, our bridges falling, our troops dying.
If this continues and McCain wins, pretty soon even the most religious amongst us won't be able to afford a baby anyways and will be scrapping for food in a garbage can.
Posted by: john93 | Jul 7, 2008 3:24:53 PM
I agree abortion is a women's choice.I strongly disagree on paying for them.State your stand on issues clearly.Flip,flapping will elect Mr. McCain with little doubt.I have not decided my vote yet but I sure would like to hear the stand on issues not empty promises and talk about change with little more.
Posted by: loretta delles | Jul 7, 2008 3:24:05 PM
obama is a Radical FRAUD!!!
Abortion - which obama is for - even voted for partial birth abortion - is a Disgrace. That is just one of the MANY, MANY reasons why I will NOT vote for obama - and there are MILLIONS who feel the same - we are called
CATHOLICS!
Posted by: Molly | Jul 7, 2008 3:13:07 PM
Obama is a centrist on most issues. I don't have a problem with this, but painting him as some extreme radical is really absurd. His position on abortion is in the mainstream. Rev. Mahoney, on the other hand, is well outside of the mainstream.
Posted by: mary | Jul 7, 2008 2:42:07 PM
Let's be clear.
Obama believes that the govt should make decisions about a woman's mental health.. not the doctor, not herself.. the govt.
Posted by: trettione | Jul 7, 2008 2:25:45 PM
Barry had made it obvious he'll say and do anything to be president.
he has no values of his own.
Posted by: trettione | Jul 7, 2008 2:24:16 PM
Judyc, a President Obama will not veto Sen. Clinton's bill to implement womb-to-tomb heath care when it passes Congress. And NOR will he veto the efforts by the Left to eliminate private health care insurance (as Sen. Clinton advocates).
Posted by: James Danley | Jul 7, 2008 2:20:24 PM
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