Obama waffling on abortion policy?

If Obama supports the Freedom of Choice Act, how can he say this to Relevant magazine?

I think it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. Now, I don’t think that ‘mental distress’ qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy . . .”

This post provides more detail on the mental gymnastics about mental distress.

3 thoughts on “Obama waffling on abortion policy?”

  1. Warren,
    He can say it easily. Supporting legislation doesn’t mean he supports every conceivable aspect of that legislation. He is saying he doesn’t believe mental health issues are sufficient to override a late-term abortion restriction. Do you seriously believe that politicians should agree with every aspect of every piece of legislation that they support?

  2. I especially like what Obama says here:

    I think we know that abortions rise when unwanted pregnancies rise. So, if we are continuing what has been a promising trend in the reduction of teen pregnancies, through education and abstinence education giving good information to teenagers. That is important—emphasizing the sacredness of sexual behavior to our children. I think that’s something that we can encourage. I think encouraging adoptions in a significant way. I think the proper role of government. So there are ways that we can make a difference, and those are going to be things I focus on when I am president.

    If prevention of abortions is really a goal (I would suggest it is for the majority of people–pro-life and pro-choice), then the above is clear way forward for a majority of americans to work. Criminalizing abortions will not stop them from happening.

  3. Simple answer: Smokin’ Barry is nothing more than a typical political hack like most of the rest of them, no “there” there, willing to speak out of both sides of his mouth, albeit more adroitly than most politicians can. He’s not “waffling”; he’s a great politician trying to conjure up as many votes as he can. He doesn’t believe a whole lot of things he says; he says them because they fit the political expediency of the moment. Simple as that.

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