Barack Obama, John Edwards Tout Pro-Abortion Positions in New Survey 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 21, 2007
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Democratic candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards touted their pro-abortion positions in a candidate questionnaire presented to them by RH Reality Check, a web site for hard-core pro-abortion activists. They and second-tier candidate Chris Dodd were the only Democrats seeking the presidency to respond.
Obama’s campaign staff answered the questionnaire for the Illinois senator and said "Throughout his career, Senator Obama has consistently championed [abortion.]"
His staff pointed out that Obama has consistently earned 100 percent marks from pro-abortion groups during both his Senate tenure and his time in the Illinois legislature. His campaign also points out that, in 2005, he was the honorary chair of Planned Parenthood of Chicago Area’s Roe v. Wade celebration
Obama’s campaign stressed how he has been involved in trying to shape the pro-abortion movement for the future.
"This year at a Planned Parenthood conference, Obama emphasized the need for pro-choice groups to align themselves with religious and community groups," the campaign said.
Regarding the legality of abortion, the campaign said Obama "supports those restrictions that are consistent with the legal framework outlined by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade" and "does not support the Hyde amendment" protecting taxpayers from funding abortions with their tax dollars.
On other issues, the campaign says Obama opposes parental consent bills, opposes abstinence education when it’s not combined with sexual education, and he would overturn the Mexico City Policy preventing public funding of groups that promote or perform abortions overseas.
Meanwhile, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards’ campaign staff answered for him, and provided the answers in first person.
"I have consistently worked to protect and promote" abortion, the completed questionnaire said. "As a senator, I earned a 100 percent voting record with both NARAL and Planned Parenthood."
Edwards’ campaign staff explained that his health care plan includes coverage for abortion and that he opposes abstinence education when taught by itself.
Edwards made it clear that he will tolerate not restrictions on abortion — including parental involvement or preventing taxpayer funding.
"No, I do not support restrictions on abortion," he said. "I have opposed bans on abortion procedures (such as the so-called "partial birth" legislation) that do not make an adequate exception for a woman’s health."
"I oppose any effort to restrict abortion as an option for women who depend on the government for their health care needs. I support public funding of abortion services for low-income women," Edwards added. "While in the Senate, I voted against restrictions on funding for abortions for federal employees and District of Columbia residents."
Edwards also bashed pregnancy centers and said he would not support federal funding for them to help women choose alternatives to abortion.
"No, federal tax dollars should not endorse or support programs that knowingly include medically or scientifically inaccurate information and that mislead and intimidate women," he said.
Sen. Chris Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat not thought to have much of a chance of getting the nomination, submitted a fully pro-abortion questionnaire as well.
