Elizabeth Dole on Abortion

Replace abortion with adoption Dole told the Christian Coalition, “It is right that we protect the sanctity of life, replace abortion with adoption, require parental notification and continue the ban on federal funding (for abortion).” Source: Alan Elsner, Reuters Oct 1, 1999

For federal funding only in cases of incest, rape, health Dole has long supported legal abortions for women who are the victims of rape, incest, or if a woman’s health is jeopardized. But when asked whether she viewed spending Medicaid funds for poor women’s abortions as a fairness issue, Dole replied: “I think I am against federal funding for abortions.” Later, a spokesman confirmed that Dole supports the current law. The Post states that current law allows using Medicaid money for abortion in instances of rape, incest or when the woman’s life is in danger. Source: Ceci Connelly, The Washington Post Aug 17, 1999

Good & honorable people disagree-move on to other issues Dole calls herself “pro-life” but acknowledges that a constitutional amendment banning abortion “is not going to happen because the American people do not support it.” She [suggests we] “recognize that good and honorable people disagree on the subject of abortion, and we should agree to respectfully disagree.” Dole notes that other important women’s issues, such as domestic violence, child care, and sexual harassment are “nearly ignored” while differences over abortion policy command media attention. Source: CNN AllPolitics Apr 15, 1999

No litmus test for judiciary appointments A top aide to her campaign said Dole also would consider nominating or appointing to any federal post, including the U.S. Supreme Court, someone who supported abortion rights. Source: Chicago Tribune, 4/10/99 Apr 10, 1999

Pro-life, with exceptions for rape, incest, & health I am pro-life, with exceptions in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother. I would support the idea of a constitutional amendment, if it were possible. Source: www.edole2000.org/issues “Position On Abortion” Apr 9, 1999

Human Life Amendment is irrelevant; focus on other issues A constitutional [Human Life] amendment is not possible. It’s not going to happen because the American people do not support it. There hasn’t been a House or Senate vote on such an amendment in 15 years. [There is] today an irrelevant and highly divisive argument about the merits of an amendment. There is such an inordinate focus on the amendment that urgent issues such as domestic violence, childcare, sexual harassment, women’s health and the financial security of women are nearly ignored. Source: www.edole2000.org/issues “Position On Abortion” Apr 9, 1999

Focus on parental notification, ending funding, & adoption We must recognize that good and honorable people disagree on the subject of abortion. We should agree to respectfully disagree. We can refuse to be drawn into dead-end debates. We can concentrate instead on what we agree upon most: we can stop partial- birth abortions, enact parental notification requirements, continue the ban on government funding and do everything possible to place unwanted babies with adoptive parents who will love and care for them. Source: www.edole2000.org/issues “Position On Abortion” Apr 9, 1999