Issue Position: Abortion

Issue Position

Since Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in the United States in 1973, it has unfairly become one of the main litmus tests for determining which party you belong. As decisive as this has been in choosing a representative, the House of Representatives by itself can do nothing and is extremely limited to overturn this law without the full cooperation of the Executive Branch and Congressional majorities. The beliefs and the differences of the Democrats and Republicans are polar opposites and are well beyond the debate of a woman's right to choose. I've linked here for you the party platforms because I believe that many form an opinion not even realizing the strongly worded beliefs and differences that each party's candidate stands for.

The DNC platform states: The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and the woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay.
The RNC platform states: Faithful to the "self-evident" truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert, the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.

As it stands now, with the newly mandated Patient and Affordable Health Care Act, every American is indirectly supporting abortion with their healthcare premiums and tax dollars. When the rights of those in favor of abortion prohibit the free exercise of religious beliefs, guaranteed by the 1st amendment, then we have a problem that must be rectified. Were I to be elected, I would fully support efforts to ensure that those not in favor of abortion are not unjustly burdened by being forced to participate financially in a act that may infringe on their 1st amendment right. I would also support the House in removing the funding for Planned Parenthood whose sole purpose is performing abortions and reverse various parts of mandated health laws that allow for direct and indirect financial support from our pooled tax dollars. Also, I fully support the re-implementation of the Hyde Amendment to lock in place the ban on federal funds being used for abortion. Again, the House does not have the power to stop abortion, but it can protect those not for abortion.

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