More headlines: Al Gore on Abortion

(Following are older quotations. Click here for main quotations.)

Voted against federal funding for abortions in Congress

Throughout Gore’s eight years in the House, beginning in 1977, nearly every major abortion-related vote on the floor related to federal funding for abortion-most notably through the Medicaid program for the poor.
For example, in 1977, Gore voted for a ban on federal funds for abortions for poor women except when the pregnant woman’s life was in danger.
In 1978, he reaffirmed his support for the Medicaid abortion ban and voted for an additional prohibition on the use of Defense Department money for abortions for military personnel and their families, again except when women’s lives were in danger.
And in 1980, he voted to prohibit the use of federal money for abortion services under federal employees’ health insurance.
Gore did cast some votes that were considered “pro-choice.” For example, in 1981 he opposed an amendment that would have barred the Legal Services Corp. from providing legal advice on abortion laws. Source: NY Times News Service Feb 26, 2000

Position on federal funding of abortion has “evolved”

Gore was attacked for having said as a congressman in 1987 that abortion was “the taking of a human life.” Gore insisted that he is strongly in favor of abortion rights. He said that his position on federal funding of abortions, which he initially opposed in Congress, has “evolved.” Gore retracted his 13-year-old statement equating abortion with the taking of a human life. He said: “Yes, my position has changed. I strongly support a woman’s right to choose.” Source: Boston Globe, p. A1 Jan 30, 2000

Right to choose regardless of income

I’ve always supported Roe v. Wade. I have always supported a woman’s right to choose. And if you entrust me with the presidency, I will guarantee that a woman’s right to choose is protected.
Early in my career I wrestled with the question of what kinds of exceptions should be allowed to the general rule that Medicaid should also pay for this procedure. I have come to the strong view that all women regardless of their income must have the right to choose and that’s my position. The next president is likely to appoint as many as three maybe four Justices of the Supreme Court. All of the Republican candidates have taken a pledge to overturn Roe v. Wade and support a constitutional amendment to take away the right to choose. Source: Democrat Debate in Manchester NH Jan 26, 2000

Honor women by honoring their right to choose

“One of the ways we honor women is to honor the choices they make,” Gore told a group of women activists. “I want you to know that I will ensure that a woman’s right to choose is preserved and protected.” Source: Associated Press, in The Enterprise (Brockton MA), p. A9 Jan 4, 2000

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