Bob Kerrey on Abortion

Summary

Senator Kerrey is pro-choice. He has opposed judges based on their views on abortion, and opposed a ban on partial-birth abortion. During his time in office, Senator Kerrey co-sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act to ensure that a State may not restrict the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy before fetal viability. He supports government funding for abortions through Medicaid and possibly other programs as he has stated it was hypocritcal to deny funds to people for a legal procedure.

Roe Vs Wade and Judges

In 1992, Senator Kerrey asserted that while he had not voted on Justice Souter or Justice Thomas as a consequence of their position on that issue, but now knowing what all the Justices believe it will become much more important to him in the future. In 1999 he supported a measure expressing the sense of the senate supporting Roe vs Wade.

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

In September of 1998, Senator Kerrey stated that the partial-birth abortion law as proposed was both unconstitutional and incorrect. He stated that the law as proposed does not direct women to make this choice, but merely gives them the choice. In discussing why the law was unconstitutional, Senator Kerrey stated that the law did not balance the rights of the woman against the right of the fetus. Specifically, the Supreme Court decisions in Roe vs Wade and other cases allowed the state to protect the rights of the fetus after viability, but upheld the rights of the woman prior to that. He held that the legislation as proposed injected the state into the decision before that date. Senator Kerrey also held that it was incorrect in that it did not take into account the grief and struggle felt by the mother.

In 1999, Senator Kelley again opposed a ban on partial-birth abortions. He stated in discussions on that law that he was comfortable in his position in saying that he believed a woman along with her physician and spiritual counselor should be making the decision on abortion and that he considered himself to be a pro-choice individual as a consequence of that. He then stated that he supported Medicaid funding for abortions because he thought it is hypocritical not to support such funding if he was going to let people who have the means get the procedure.

 

Roe vs Wade

On July 2, 1992 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor about the topic of Roe vs Wade and the view that the Supreme Court should not move to overturn that decision.

Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, in connection with what was said by the Senator from Iowa, I think it must be said that now on the Supreme Court there are nine Justices, and we know what each one feels about the very emotional, difficult subject of Roe versus Wade. I say that with respect for my friend from Iowa. I have not voted on Justice Souter or Justice Thomas as a consequence of their position on that issue. But now knowing what all the Justices believe, it will become much more important to me; and indeed it is important to the President, because he sends the Solicitor General up to the Supreme Court to attempt to reverse Roe versus Wade. Reagan-Bush appointees in their declaration in support of Roe versus Wade were very strong in saying that that assault is creating problems.

 

Partial Birth Abortion Act - Veto in 1997

On September 17, 1998 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor discussing the partial birth abortion act.

 

Partial Birth Abortion Act - 1999

On October 21, 1999 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor and

 

Voting Record

Partial Birth Abortion

After the 2000 Partial Birth Abortion Bill passed the Senate, it went over to the House and was voted on again in roll call 402 to pass the conference report which was the compilation of the bills in the House and Senate. Robert Kerrey voted against the 2000 ban.

Roe vs Wade

As part of the 1999 partial birth abortion ban, an amendment was introduced to express the sense of the senate in expressing support for Roe vs Wade. The amendment was supported by a majority of Democrats and a few Republicans The amendment passed in a 51-47 vote. Robert Kerrey voted in favor of the amendment and thus supported Roe vs Wade.

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997

In May of 1997, the Senate passed the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 in a 64-36 vote. The Senate did not have the numbers to overturn a Presidential veto. Robert Kerrey voted against the ban.

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995

In December of 1995, the Senate passed the partial-birth abortion ban act 54-44. The legislation was vetoed by President Clinton. Robert Kerrey voted against the ban.

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-106; Bill Number-S 1200; Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Cosponsor

A bill to require equitable coverage of prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, and contraceptive services under health plans.

Session-103; Bill Number-S 25; Freedom of Choice Act of 1993 - Cosponsor

Provides that a State may not restrict the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy before fetal viability. Allows a State to: (1) restrict the freedom of a woman to chose to terminate a pregnancy after viability unless the termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman; and (2) impose requirements on abortions if the requirements are necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent a State from: (1) protecting individuals or private health care institutions from having to participate in abortions to which they are conscientiously opposed; (2) declining to pay for abortions; or (3) requiring minors to involve responsible adults before terminating a pregnancy.

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