President Obama is staunchly pro-choice. Although he has stated an aversion to partial birth abortion, his actions indicate that he believes in a concept known as "abortion on demand". This concept means that a woman should be able to obtain an abortion at any time, for any reason, regardless of ability to pay.
President Obama has voiced a pro-choice stance throughout his career in politics. In his Presidential campaign literature, he stated that he has stood up for women's choice throughout his entire time in the Senate. He has asserted on numerous occasions that he understands that there will be those who disagree with his positions, and that he understands this disagreement. He states that he believes abortion is a moral choice which no woman makes lightly, but that each individual woman is capable of making that decision on their own.
In 2001, Illinois Senators introduced legislation to care for children who survived a practice known as "induced abortions," where a surviving baby is left unattended after labor is induced. State Senator Obama opposed this legislation, stating that by defining a "pre-viable" fetus as a person, the legislation was defining rights to that person. He then stated that by extending those protections to a fetus less than 9 months old, the practice would outlaw abortion.
When dealing with the issue of partial birth abortions, President Obama has responded in a manner similar to the induced labor argument. He has stated that he believes that the government can regulate the practice, but that he would not support such regulation if it did not include a provision to protect the health of the mother. He has stated that such measures are what has prevented his support in the past, and that they were purposefully left out to initiate an anti-abortion movement.
Numerous times throughout the 2008 Presidential campaign, Senator Obama was asked when life begins. Each time, he stated that it was a very complex issue and that he was not sure.
President Obama has been a consistent supporter of Roe vs Wade. He has stated that although he would not apply a litmus test, he would not appoint a supreme court justice that was not sympathetic to the decision.
Days after taking office, President Obama issued a memorandum overturning the "Mexico City Policy." That policy prohibited groups that performed abortions with non US aid funds from receiving any US aid funds. President Obama stated that the ban was too broad and that it undermined voluntary family planning.
On January 22, 2012, the White House issued a press statement noting the 39th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision. That statement asserts that abortion is a fundamental constitutional right, and abortion is a private family matter, and that we must ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.
Partial Birth Abortion Debate
In 2001, Illinois State Senator Patrick O'Malley discovered that a procedure was being performed at hospitals in Illinois where labor was induced on a mother for the purposes of an abortion. Children who survived this procedure were taken to another room and left unattended until passing. In response to this practice, he introduced three pieces of legislation dealing with born children:
SB1093 said that if a doctor performing an abortion believed there was a likelihood the baby would survive, another physician must be present "to assess the child's viability and provide medical care"
SB1094 gave the parents, or a state-appointed guardian, the right to sue to protect the child's rights
SB1095 simply said a baby alive after "complete expulsion or extraction from its mother" would be considered a " 'person,' 'human being,' 'child' and 'individual' "
The only member to oppose the legislation in committee and the only member to speak against them was State Senator Barack Obama. The debate that State Senator Obama and State Senator O'Malley had on the Senate floor on March 30, 2001 is shown below:
Obama: Sen. O'Malley, the testimony during the committee indicated that one of the key concerns was - is that there was a method of abortion, an induced abortion, where the - the fetus or child, as - as some might describe it, is still temporarily alive outside the womb. And one of the concerns that came out in the testimony was the fact that they were not being properly cared for during that brief period of time that they were still living.
O'Mallley: [T]his bill suggests that appropriate steps be taken to treat that baby as a - a citizen of the United States and afforded all the rights and protections it deserves under the Constitution of the United States.
Obama: No. 1, whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the equal protection clause or other elements of the Constitution, what we're really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a - a child, a 9-month-old - child that was delivered to term. ... I mean, it - it would essentially bar abortions, because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an antiabortion statute.
Although already cited in the references, it should be noted that this article provides analysis of the conversation between Obama and O'Malley.
CBN Interview
As part of the 2008 election cycle, Senator Obama was asked about his positions on abortion. He stated that it was a moral choice, and that that he trusted women to make that choice.
Overall Pro-Choice Statements
At a talk sponsored by planned parenthood in June of 2008, Senator Obama re-affirmed his pro-choice views and defended his votes against the confirmations of Judge Samuel Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts. He states that as President, he would sign the Freedom of Choice Act. The Freedom of Choice Act would create US law making abortions legal. In the speech, he also made the following statement.
I have stood up for the freedom of choice in the United States Senate, and I stand by my votes against the confirmations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito. With one more vacancy on the court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a woman's right to choose for the first time since Roe vs Wade, and that is what is at stake in this election.
...
There will always be people, many of good will, who do not share my view on the issue of choice. On this fundamental issue, I will not yield and planned parenthood will not yield.
When life begins
On April 13, 2008 at the Democratic Compassion Forum at Messiah College, Senator Obama was asked about when life begins:
Q: Do you personally believe that life begins at conception?
A: This is something that I have not come to a firm resolution on. I think it’s very hard to know what that means, when life begins. Is it when a cell separates? Is it when the soul stirs? So I don’t presume to know the answer to that question. What I know is that there is something extraordinarily powerful about potential life and that that has a moral weight to it that we take into consideration when we’re having these debates.
On August 16, 2008 Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain debated each other at the church of evangelical preacher Rick Warren. When asked about when a human or fetus deserves rights or when life begins, Senator Obama said the following:
Whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity is above my pay grade
Roe vs Wade
In an interview with Pastor Rick Warren, Senator Obama made the following statement on his pro-choice views and Roe vs Wade
I am pro-choice, I believe in Roe vs Wade. I come to that conclusion not because I am pro-abortion. But, because, ultimately i don't think women make these decisions casually. I think they ... they wrestle with these things in profound ways, in consultation with their pastors or their spouses, or their doctors or their family members. So, for me, the goal right now should be, and this is where I think we can find common ground, and by the way I have now inserted this into the Democratic party platform, is how do we reduce the number of abortions, because the fact is although we've had a President that is opposed to abortion over the last 8 years, abortions have not gone down.
During the third Presidential debate, Senator Obama was asked about the possibility of nominating a supreme court justice that would overturn Roe Vs. Wade.
Q: Could you ever nominate someone to the Supreme Court who disagrees with you on Roe v. Wade?
OBAMA: Well, I think it’s true that we shouldn’t apply a strict litmus test and the most important thing in any judge is their capacity to provide fairness and justice to the American people. And it is true that this is going to be, I think, one of the most consequential decisions of the next president. It is very likely that one of us will be making at least one and probably more than one appointments and Roe vs. Wade probably hangs in the balance. I will look for those judges who have an outstanding judicial record, who have the intellect, and who hopefully have a sense of what real-world folks are going through.
Partial Birth Abortion
On April 26, 2007 at the South Carolina Primary Debate, Senator Barack Obama was asked about his views on partial birth abortion.
Q: What us your view on the decision on partial-birth abortion and your reaction to most of the public agreeing with the court’s holding?
A: I think that most Americans recognize that this is a profoundly difficult issue for the women and families who make these decisions. They don’t make them casually. And I trust women to make these decisions in conjunction with their doctors and their families and their clergy. And I think that’s where most Americans are. Now, when you describe a specific procedure that accounts for less than 1% of the abortions that take place, then naturally, people get concerned, and I think legitimately so. But the broader issue here is: Do women have the right to make these profoundly difficult decisions? And I trust them to do it. There is a broader issue: Can we move past some of the debates around which we disagree and can we start talking about the things we do agree on? Reducing teen pregnancy; making it less likely for women to find themselves in these circumstances.
In another President debate, Senator Obama was asked about partial birth abortions and explained his "present" vote on the previous legislation in the same manner - it was unconstitutional as it did not have a clause to exempt mothers whose health was at risk.
On April 27, 2008 Senator Barack Obama gave an interview to Fox News where he spoke about the ability of states to limit partial birth abortions.
On an issue like partial birth abortion, I strongly believe that the state can properly restrict late-term abortions. I have said so repeatedly. All I’ve said is we should have a provision to protect the health of the mother, and many of the bills that came before me didn’t have that.
Part of the reason they didn’t have it was purposeful, because those who are opposed to abortion have a moral calling to try to oppose what they think is immoral. Oftentimes what they were trying to do was to polarize the debate and make it more difficult for people, so that they could try to bring an end to abortions overall.
As president, my goal is to bring people together, to listen to them, and I don’t think that’s any Republican out there who I’ve worked with who would say that I don’t listen to them, I don’t respect their ideas, I don’t understand their perspective. And my goal is to get us out of this polarizing debate where we’re always trying to score cheap political points and actually get things done.
The Mexico City Policy
On January 23, 2009 President Obama issued a memorandum overturning the "Mexico City Policy". In that memo, the President described the practice as undermining family planning and stated that the criteria to deny funding was too broad. On January 23, 2009 the Obama administration released a press statement noting both the memo and additional statements on the subject.
Statement of President Barack Obama on Rescinding the Mexico City Policy
"It is clear that the provisions of the Mexico City Policy are unnecessarily broad and unwarranted under current law, and for the past eight years, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries. For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development.
"For too long, international family planning assistance has been used as a political wedge issue, the subject of a back and forth debate that has served only to divide us. I have no desire to continue this stale and fruitless debate.
"It is time that we end the politicization of this issue. In the coming weeks, my Administration will initiate a fresh conversation on family planning, working to find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families at home and around the world.
"I have directed my staff to reach out to those on all sides of this issue to achieve the goal of reducing unintended pregnancies. They will also work to promote safe motherhood, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and increase educational and economic opportunities for women and girls.
"In addition, I look forward to working with Congress to restore U.S. financial support for the U.N. Population Fund. By resuming funding to UNFPA, the U.S. will be joining 180 other donor nations working collaboratively to reduce poverty, improve the health of women and children, prevent HIV/AIDS and provide family planning assistance to women in 154 countries," said President Obama.
Memorandum for the Secretary of State the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development
Subject: Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b(f)(1)), prohibits nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that receive Federal funds from using those funds "to pay for the performance of abortions as a method of family planning, or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions." The August 1984 announcement by President Reagan of what has become known as the "Mexico City Policy" directed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to expand this limitation and withhold USAID funds from NGOs that use non-USAID funds to engage in a wide range of activities, including providing advice, counseling, or information regarding abortion, or lobbying a foreign government to legalize or make abortion available. The Mexico City Policy was in effect from 1985 until 1993, when it was rescinded by President Clinton. President George W. Bush reinstated the policy in 2001, implementing it through conditions in USAID grant awards, and subsequently extended the policy to "voluntary population planning" assistance provided by the Department of State.
These excessively broad conditions on grants and assistance awards are unwarranted. Moreover, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning programs in foreign nations. Accordingly, I hereby revoke the Presidential memorandum of January 22, 2001, for the Administrator of USAID (Restoration of the Mexico City Policy), the Presidential memorandum of March 28, 2001, for the Administrator of USAID (Restoration of the Mexico City Policy), and the Presidential memorandum of August 29, 2003, for the Secretary of State (Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning). In addition, I direct the Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID to take the following actions with respect to conditions in voluntary population planning assistance and USAID grants that were imposed pursuant to either the 2001 or 2003 memoranda and that are not required by the Foreign Assistance Act or any other law: (1) immediately waive such conditions in any current grants, and (2) notify current grantees, as soon as possible, that these conditions have been waived. I further direct that the Department of State and USAID immediately cease imposing these conditions in any future grants.
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA
NARAL Rating
NARAL is a national pro-choice advocacy group that rates national representatives on abortion issues. During his time in the US Senate, NARAL identified 13 votes on abortion which it saw as key votes. It gave Senator Obama a 100% approval and stated that he voted in a pro-choice manner in all votes. Several of these votes were against judges which the organization viewed as pro-life.
Comments on 2008 Election Website
REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE
Supports a Woman's Right to Choose:
Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.
Roe vs Wade Anniversary Statement
On January 22, 2012, the White House issued a press statement noting the 39th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision. That statement asserts that abortion is a fundamental constitutional right, and abortion is a private family matter, and that we must ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release January 22, 2012 Statement by the President on Roe v. Wade Anniversary
As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue- no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.
Voting Record
Amendment - SCHIP and unborn children
On March 14, 2008 the Senate attempted to pass an amendment to the congressional budget for 2008. The amendment was to clarify the definition of a child for SCHIP purposes. SCHIP is the State Children\'s Health Insurance Program. The program covers children up to the age of 18 with health care. Although the program is funded by the federal government, implementation of the program is left up to the states. Many states provide health care to pregnant women above the age of 18, but justify the care as necessary for the health of the unborn child. This amendment sought to clarify such legislation by establishing a sets of codes for when such care can be given by the states. It is an attempt to put into writing when the pregnancy is considered a "child" and therefore enters into the realm of abortion as designating an embryo as a child for the purposes of giving it care under SCHIP would also imply that an abortion at or later than that time would amount to the killing of a child, and not an undefined mass of cells. The amendment failed to pass with most Republicans supporting it and most Democrats opposing it in roll call 81. Those supporting the bill can be seen as attempting to establish when the definition of a "child" can be given to a developing fetus. Barack Obama voted against the amendment to define a child for SCHIP purposes.
Barack Obama voted against the amendment to define a child for SCHIP purposes.
Amendment - Funding for enforcement
Congress has passed laws which prohibit an adult from taking a minor across state lines when the state laws require parental consent for an abortion. On March 13, 2008 the Senate voted on an amendment for funding of "vigorous enforcement" of the law. The amendment got the support of most Republicans and the opposition of most Democrats. If failed in a 49-49 vote. Barack Obama voted against the amendment to provide funding to enforce abortion laws.
Barack Obama voted against the amendment to provide funding to enforce abortion laws.
Amendment to Prohibit Funds
In October of 2002, the Senate voted on an amendment to prohibit funds from being dispersed to groups that encourage or perform abortions. The measure failed to pass the Senate 41-52. Barack Obama cast a "No Vote"
Amendment - funds to abortion providers
Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas placed an amendment into the Consolidated Appropriations spending bill to ensure that funding did not go to groups that may support coercive abortion. The amendment failed in a 48-45 vote. Barack Obama cast a "No Vote"
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act
The second vote on the legislation came as the bill returned from the US House. In roll call 263, supporters of the bill failed to get the 60 votes required for cloture. The bill did not proceed further as most Republicans supported the legislation and most Democrats oppossed it. Barack Obama oppossed the Notification Act by voting against cloture.
Barack Obama oppossed the Notification Act by voting against cloture.
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act
There have been 2 votes in the Senate concerning the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act S 403. The Act prohibited transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion. There was an exception in the bill if the life of the mother was at risk, and those transporting the minor could not be prosecuted if there was reason to believe that the transporters were under the impression that permission had been given from the minor\'s parents. The first vote on this bill came as the bill passed through the Senate. The bill passed the senate in a 54-34 vote with most Republicans supporting it, and about 1/3 of Democrats supporting it. Barack Obama voted against the Notification Act.
