Who and What You Need to Know in 2008

I'm sure we're all aware that the 2008 presidential elections are right around the corner. So it's especially important for pro-choicers to know who they're candidates are and where they stand when it comes to a woman's right to her own body.

It seems that for the most part, a candidate's stance on the issue is dictated by which party they belong to. Democrats (and Rudy Giuliani) support a woman's right to abort, while the GOP does not.

I want to note that, I, myself, do not represent a particular party. If anything, I am an "independent", although, a leftist on many issues. In part, I am not one to suggest a party over another.

I simply want to draw attention to how sharply the partisan line is drawn, and suggest to you that, especially if you're a Republican, you really do consider the reasons why the candidate takes a particular stance. When it comes to these candidates who oppose the right to abort, consider their ideas more specifically:

For example, do they believe that there are exceptions in some cases, especially if the woman is a surviver of rape or incest?

Or if she is either mentally or physically ill and would be not able get through a full term of pregnancy?

Or if she is simply too young to give birth?

Also, be weary of candidates who are so far right that their intention may be to topple Roe vs. Wade altogether.

Because the truth is that even if you're "pro-life", there must always be exceptions to the rule, especially in regards to a woman's safety.

Statistics show that almost half of all American women have had or will get an abortion at some point in their lives. Most of these actually plan to have children in the future. There are also many who even claim to be religiously devout, such as Catholics and Evangelical Christians.

Think about that. Let those facts sink in.

That is a huge population!

It is unfortunate that there are so many abortions and while I do not support abortion as form of birth control (that is what the pill and other contraceptives are for), remember, that it is your right.

Do you really want to risk voting for someone who might try to take that right away from you? Especially at a time when you may need it the most.

Just remember there is a 1 out of 2 chance that you probably will.