Some of you may recognize me as a "Clinton supporter" who is currently one of the undecideds. I am a progressive, but I will make up my mind about who to vote for in October. For now, I will examine the two candidates on an issue-by-issue basis.
Todays's issue (for me) is abortion. And I support Sen. Obama on his stance on late term abortions.
"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."
Some have interpreted this to mean that Sen. Obama opposes the mental health exception to the late term abortion ban. This exception is codified by a USSC ruling. Thus, Sen. Obama's stance would reflect a desire to change current policy.
According to subsequent clarifications issued by Sen. Obama, and by his spokesman, he has iterated his support for the current policy (that there is a mental health exception), and that in his original statement, he was simply emphasizing that there is no "mental distress" exception.
You are allowed to get a late term abortion (or a partial birth abortion) if your mental health is at risk, but not if you simply feeling blue (mentally distressed).
Leaving aside my own personal opposition to abortion, and specially to partial birth abortions with the mental heath exception (why does it take more than 22 weeks to figure out that your mental health is at risk ?), I am happy to see Sen. Obama emphasizing his opposition to the "mental distress" clause (which is entirely consistent with current policy).
Therefore, I support Sen. Obama on his stance on late term abortions.
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