McCain's stance on abortion

Over the next few months, the staff here at Michigan For McCain are going to be addressing McCain's stances on various issues that are important to voters in Michigan and the Republican Party.

The first issue we will cover is abortion. It is necessary to note that from a legislative standpoint, Presidents deal with abortion in two ways: nominating judges to the bench and signing legislation.

Senator McCain believes that abortion should be banned in all cases - except for rape, incest, and when the mother's health is in jeopardy. He has supported laws that restrict abortions, and essentially has joined the conservative crusade of chipping away at Roe v. Wade. Senator McCain was an ally and co-sponsor to Sen. Santorum's bill to ban partial birth abortions. He has always voted against partial-birth abortion and spoke out against President Clinton for encouraging the policy. He has voted YES on banning military base abortions and human cloning. Once Roe v. Wade is overturned, he wants to prosecute doctors for performing abortions. He has opposed public financing of abortions (On The Issues). On July 21, 2005, while on Hardball with Chris Matthews, Senator McCain reemphasized that his position on abortion has not changed. He is against it in for all circumstances - save the big 3 (MSNBC).

Last winter, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds (R) signed a bill passed by the state Congress that made it a felony for any South Dakota doctor to perform an abortion under all cases except for a women's health. When asked about what they would do if they were in Gov. Rounds shoes, spokespersons for President George W. Bush and Senator McCain said the exact same thing. WH Press Secretary Scott McClellan says Pres. Bush would need to make sure that the bill contained exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, while Senator McCain said he would have signed it, but he would have made sure that exceptions of rape, incest or life of the mother were included (Hotline On Call) .

When it comes to appointing judges, Senator McCain was a leading voice in favor of President Bush's Supreme Court nominees of Roberts and Alito. As the leading spokesperson for the Gang of 14, McCain helped ensure that there were enough Democrats on board with Bush's S.C. nominees. Although at the time conservatives seemed skeptical of the Gang of 14, it has clearly been instrumental in keeping order in the Senate and getting as many of the President's Federal Court nominees through Congress as possible. Without McCain, we would have either seen Congress come grinding to a halt or the "nuclear option," which would have been devastating for the pro-life cause if (when) Republicans lose power.

If Sen. McCain would be elected President in 2008, what would he look for in judges in regards to abortion? His past statements and voting records indicate that he would be in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. His morality aside, McCain is a strong states' rights advocate and believes there needs to be a balance of power between states and the national government.

The NARAL, the lead voice for the pro-choice movement, gave McCain a 0% pro-choice score, which would indicate a pro-life voting record. On the other hand, Evangelicals are starting to praise McCain: "Most of the pro-life community, myself included, is happy with McCain's pro-life views," Reverend Jerry Falwell told ABC News. "We are comfortable."

In Michigan, a few weeks ago, Gary Glenn, chairman of the Campaign For Michigan Families and strong pro-life advocate, sent out a list of his top 10 RINOs (Republican In Name Only) when dealing with abortion. McCain was NOT on the list. Interestingly, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney topped Glenn's list. Glenn: "(Romney is..) A politician who for a decade gives rhetorical aid, comfort, and legitimacy to the pro-"choice' and "sexual orientation" movements should not be rewarded with the Republican presidential nomination" (Hotline On Call).

So what does all of this mean to the pro-life movement? Based on the facts mentioned above, Senator John McCain would be a strong voice for the pro-life movement in 2008. His record, statements, and past actions indicate that he would continue to lobby for and sign legislation that would chip away Roe v. Wade and he, like President Bush, would appoint justices in the mold of Alito and Roberts. McCain's ability to sway and broker deals with the Democrats indicate that he could get his nominees confirmed with little trouble.

“I am proud of my pro-life record in public life, and I will continue to maintain it…As a leader of a pro-life party with a pro-life position, I will persuade young Americans [to] understand the importance of the preservation of the rights of the unborn.”

-Senator John McCain in Manchester, NH 2000