Choice

I understand that abortion is an issue of great importance to many people with different and competing views. 

I believe abortion should be safe and legal. 

I hold this view for several practical reasons. 

First, when my wife Sara and I lived in Nicaragua for two years in the 1980s, we learned that many Nicaraguan women died as a result of illegal abortions.  Criminalizing abortion doesn’t result in fewer abortions but it often results in needless trauma and death.

Second, I believe the number of abortions will drop as we empower and educate women, provide safe and affordable family planning options, reduce the costs of adoption and achieve greater justice in our economy. 

Third, I believe the decision of whether or not to have an abortion lies with the mother and not with the state. 

Fourth, I believe it is possible for groups who hold different views to find common ground on some aspects of this issue by focusing on policies that would result in fewer abortions.  Examples include:

• The Bush administration’s refusal to fund United Nations’ family planning programs has resulted in millions of additional abortions worldwide. We need to restore those funds. 
  
  
• The Republican Party’s “abstinence only” approach to sex education has resulted in many unwanted pregnancies and increased abortions.  We need to fully fund broader sex education efforts. 
  
  
• Economic insecurity is a significant factor for many women as they make reproductive choices.  Achieving greater economic justice and providing quality health give families a realistic chance to adequately care for a child that may result from an unexpected pregnancy.