Democratic Party on abortion

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: August 12, 2008

David Brody reports that the Democratic Party is going to try to tweak the abortion plank in its platform during the upcoming convention in Denver.

Read the proposed new language—and the existing language—here.

The Democrats at the national level just don’t get it.

Either life is something sacred and worth fighting for and worthy of protection, or it isn’t.

All this flowery language may sound good to some folks. But it’s designed to obscure the reality, which remains in the plank and permeates the party: There is no underlying principle that life has intrinsic value.

And that’s why pro-life voters won’t buy it.

I’ll take this opportunity again to tell you about a group called Democrats for Life. Their mission?

Democrats for Life of America exists to foster respect for life, from the beginning of life to natural death. This includes, but is not limited to, opposition to abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia. Democrats for Life of America is one of over 200 member organizations of Consistent Life: an international network for peace, justice and life.

Now, ask yourself: What makes this language so difficult for the national party to embrace?