From The Scranton Times-Tribune:
I am a pro-life Democrat. I believe that life begins at conception and ends when we draw our last breath and that we must protect life at every point in that process.My actions as a U.S. senator have been consistent with this philosophy. I have voted against federal funding of stem cell research that would destroy living embryos.
I have voted to codify the federal regulation that provides unborn children with health coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program.
I have voted to prohibit funding to organizations that support coercive abortions.
I have voted to prohibit circumvention of parental involvement in abortion decisions.
I have consistently supported the Hyde Amendment and the Helms Amendment regarding federal funding of abortions or abortion-related services.
And I have worked closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other faith groups to introduce S. 270, the Pregnant Women Support Act -- last year and again last month. This legislation would reduce the number of abortions by providing health care, education, counseling, nutrition, pre-natal care, and information for pregnant women.
Many pro-life activists talk about one strategy only -- the appointment of a justice who may tip the Supreme Court against Roe v.Wade. I understand this approach. I, too, believe that Roe was wrongly decided. I strongly oppose the Freedom of Choice Act which would codify the Roe decision. While this bill has not been introduced, I will oppose it if it is introduced.
Click Here to read the rest of Senator Casey's guest editorial
I may take issue with Bob Casey's positions on many issues, but abortion is not one of them. He, much like his late father, has staked out a practical, common-sense pro-life platform that members of both major political parties (even those who may support abortion rights) can rally around. I've always believed that women who are faced with unplanned pregnancies shouldn't be stigmatized by a judgmental society, or be showered with hollow sympathy by many of those same people. They need to be presented with workable solutions so that their unborn children don't become victims of circumstance, just as they are. The talking heads from all the major pro-life organizations across the country do a fantastic job of rambling on concerning Roe and "activist judges" (which I agree with them on), but it is the pregnancy crisis centers and shelters on the street that truly do the heavy lifting when it comes to convincing young women there are much more humane solutions than abortion to her unplanned pregnancy. These are the people that Senator Casey aims to help.
People on all sides of the abortion debate shouldn't have a quarrel with Casey on this. Pro-lifers should embrace Casey's efforts to provide crisis centers and shelters with the resources necessary to practically eliminate abortion as an option for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. By the same token, those who support abortion rights should applaud Casey's bill. We've heard many times from pro-choicers that we must work together to reduce the number of abortions in our country, and I believe Casey's bill is a solid first step in achieving that goal.
Bravo, Senator. Well done...