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March 6, 2007

Where Do the Candidates Stand?

This is a summary of the views on abortion of most of the announced and prospective presidential candidates, as of today. Some receive more space because their views seem more complicated or have changed. RCRC is non-partisan and presents these views for educational purposes only.

Republicans

Senator Sam Brownback (Kansas) - 100% anti-abortion rights rating.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani - has supported abortion rights, but recently said he would appoint "strict constructionist" judges to the Supreme Court, thinks the Supreme Court should uphold the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003," and supports parental notification requirements with a judicial bypass provision for minors seeking abortions.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Arkansas) - said he is "unquestionably solid" in opposing abortion rights. Said abortion should be ended "on a battlefield of one heart at a time rather than pieces of legislation at a time."

Representative Duncan Hunter (California) -100% anti-abortion rights rating, introduced the Right to Life Act, which would legally define "personhood" as the moment of conception and guarantee all constitutional rights to a fetus without a constitutional amendment.

Senator John McCain (Arizona) - 100% anti-abortion rights rating, said Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Denied that he has changed his position on abortion.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Massachusetts) - Changed from "proudly" supporting abortion rights (in 1994 Senate campaign) to saying he would "like to see" Roe v. Wade overturned.

Democrats

Senator Joseph Biden (Delaware) - supports abortion rights "at some early point" in pregnancy. Voted for the "Partial- Birth Abortion Ban of 2003." Wants to provide more funding for adoption, childcare for low-income families.

Senator Hillary Clinton (New York) - 100% pro-choice rating, only current candidate endorsed by EMILY's List. In 2005 said abortion is "a sad, even tragic choice to many, many women" and urged more government assistance to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Senator Chris Dodd (Connecticut) - 100% pro-choice rating.

Former Senator John Edwards (North Carolina) - Did not vote on the "Partial- Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003" but consistently voted against previous legislation banning the procedure. In 2003, received 100% pro-choice rating.

Former Senator Mike Gravel (Alaska) - Information not available.

Representative Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) - In 2002, changed from "pro-life" to pro-choice. Has a plan to reduce abortions with family planning and economic and health care measures.

Senator Barack Obama (Illinois) - 100% pro-choice rating.

Gov. Bill Richardson (New Mexico)-in 2002, said: "I have also resisted any effort to weaken a woman's right-to-choose."