No one is pro-abortion; most Democrats are pro-choice. So let's do all we can to provide real choices to women who would like to have their babies but see no way of doing so given current social and economic realities. Improving access to health care (e.g., SCHIP) and child care are key, as is improving the employment picture. Speaking for myself, I am in favor of any measure that figures to reduce the number of abortions that does not rely on restriction or prohibition through law. The question for Evangelicals is whether they are willing to accept "half a loaf" on this issue; they're already on our side on many others.
KtinOhio, unfortunately among the overwhelmingly majority of religious people- there is No Difference between the terminology of "Pro-Choice" versus "Abortion".
Your either against abortion or you are for abortion.
For non-religious people, there's a very simple & clear difference between the two, but for people with strong religious beliefs on life- its black or white.
Personally, I go to churh every Sunday. I have strong faith as a catholic. My wife & I would never have an abortion.
However, we respect & understand that "Pro-Choice" does NOT mean being "Pro-Abortion".
That's why we have no problems with the stand of Democrats.
But a clear majority of regular churchgoers who have strong faith have a very had time distinguishing the two. And I can personally understand & respect that.
For many if not most religious people, the issue of Pro-Choice & Abortion is Non-Negotiable.
I don't deny that there is no difference between pro-abortion and pro-choice for some evangelicals, but others can see the difference. It's our job to make it clear that Democratic measures will reduce the demand for abortion.
One thing that makes this argument harder to make is that groups like NARAL seem to be very antagonistic to groups that advocate for people to make the choice for life. That has been my perspective at least.
The fact that abortions have gone down under policies that actually improve the economic well-being of the middle and lower class (read, Democratic Economic Policies), is one reason I don't feel I am betraying my faith by supporting the occasional pro-choice candidate (though I am delighted that my new Democratic Senator is pro-life).
I make no bones about it: I want to see abortion gone; I think it is abhorrent, and I think it is murder. But I know that simply making it illegal will not do that at all. To effectively reduce them, one has to change the culture first, and right now, our culture has no respect for the responsibility and the blessing that parenthood brings.
And I believe Democratic policies that work to care for children, mothers, and families, will go much farther than the posturing of the 'religious' right.
