Supporting Pregnant Women to Reduce the Abortion Rate

I applaud the Faithful Democrats for providing a forum for upfront and honest discussion on critically important issues facing our nation.  The forum is one that will foster cooperation and help to find real solutions and common ground on difficult topics.  The discourse and actions prompted by Reducing Abortion Week demonstrates the importance and necessity of thoughtful discussion.  

We have witnessed the Democratic leaders in Congress take a new direction and leadership on reducing the abortion rate in America and I am proud to be part of this effort.  We started our mission to reduce the abortion rate by 95 percent in 10 years almost 2 years ago when we introduced the 95-10 Initiative.  Ninety-five percent  represents the number of abortions performed for reasons other than rape, incest, severe fetal deformity, and the life of the mother, the reasons most Americans believe abortion should be legal  We have met with groups, individuals and elected officials all over the country to promote this new challenge.

While pro-life Democrats would like to see abortion end altogether, the big tent of the Democratic Party provides room for different views.  Regardless of ones views on abortion, as Democrats, we agree that promoting affordable healthcare and child care, a living wage, and safe communities are the foundation of democratic values and key to reducing the abortion.   

Our Platform calls on making abortion rare and all Democrats can and should agree on this goal.  Congressman Ryan and Congresswomen DeLauro introduced a bill inspired by our 95-10 Initiative.  Congressman Lincoln Davis has introduced the Pregnant Women Support Act (PWSA) also stemmed from the 95-10 Initiative.   While similar bills, we have endorsed the Davis bill because it is closest to our original intent which is to focus attention and support for the pregnant women.  By ensuring help to those who need it the most, the PWSA offers a new hope for our society.  When women are given the support they need to raise their children, there is no other choice but life.  In eliminating the need for abortion, we unite our country by solving the highest moral question of our time.

We applaud Senator Kerry for noting what is at the heart of our 95-10 Initiative when he said, "How can we keep our nation from turning to violence to solve some of its most difficult problems-abortion to deal with difficult pregnancies..."  He expressed so clearly our goal that we need to help women turn away from the societal coercion that many have been forced to make when choosing abortion over life.

We have an opportunity to establish viable, concrete routes of support for pregnant women, including medical care, legal aid, vocational training, and educational reform.  It is our duty as Americans, as Democrats, and as people of faith to safeguard the lives of the unborn.  In doing so, we safeguard our morals and our country.

Kristen Day is the Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America