Will the GOP Stand for Life?

Although their goals for the 110th Congress make no mention of pro-life legislation, Republicans have quietly aligned themselves against the inevitable attacks on the unborn. FRC has learned that earlier this month, 36 of the Senate GOP, including every member of the minority leadership and both Republican presidential candidates, implored President Bush to lead the fight against anti-life measures in the new Congress. In a letter to the White House, the GOP requested that President Bush pledge to veto any legislation that weakens pro-life policy. The President's father, George H.W. Bush, issued a similar statement to Democrats when his party was in the minority, and voting records indicate that it significantly dampened the efforts and enthusiasm of Congress's pro-abortion faithful. We remain optimistic from the recent efforts of pro-life members that legislation to protect the unborn will continue to move forward despite its absence from the GOP's menu of priorities. Just last Friday, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and 105 cosponsors re-introduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act in the face of liberal opposition. The bill is a common-sense provision aimed at protecting parental rights. It would ensure that young girls cannot be taken across state lines to have abortions to avoid the parental notification laws in their home states. Together with our allies in the House, FRC will continue to press for the bill's passage. Meanwhile, in a speech on Sunday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned." The Senator will have another chance to show his convictions on life issues since a vote on expanding funds for embryonic stem cell research is imminent.

Source: FRC