Zell Miller on Abortion
Abortion is a moral issue, not a political issue
There was a time, when the question of Abortion came up, I automatically answered that a woman should make that decision about her body. Without a shred of soul-searching, I supported the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court.
But, I came to realize this is a much more complicated issue. I took the position that parents should be notified and consent obtained before a minor could proceed [with an abortion].
Also, I took the position that public funds should not be used for the procedure. Viewing abortion as appropriate only in the 1st trimester. Then as Governor [of Georgia], I signed a state law in 1997 outlawing the
terrible procedure of partial birth abortion. Still I stuck with my position of supporting abortion. But ultimately, for me, it is no longer a political issue but a moral one. I hope someday Roe v. Wade will be reversed.
Source: A National Party No More, by Zell Miller, p.105-6
Oct 1, 2003
Both pro-life and pro-stem cell research
Several prominent conservative Republicans argue it is possible to be both “pro-life” and “pro-stem cell.” “Stem cell research facilitates life,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who studied the issue for two years before deciding to aggressively lobby the
Bush administration. “Abortion destroys life; this is about saving lives.”“The most pro-life position would be to help people who suffer from these maladies,” Hatch said. “That is far more ethical than just abandoning or discarding these embryonic
stem cells.“ For politicians such as Hatch, a Mormon, the decision to break with many of their allies in the antiabortion community was closely tied to the enormous medical potential of embryonic stem cells to treat a wide range of debilitating
conditions. Hatch is hardly alone. In recent days, the pro-stem cell contingent [has come to include HHS Secretary] Tommy Thompson, Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA.), and Sens. Zell Miller (D, GA), Strom Thurmond (R-SC) and Gordon Smith (R-OR).
Source: Ceci Connolly, Washington Post, p. A01
Jul 2, 2001
Promote and fund sexual abstinence programs
I also want to expand the family planning services in county health departments. We are going to expand two successful, community-based pregnancy prevention programs. One is targeted at teenage males, and it is already
in operation in 15 Georgia communities. The other is Grady Hospital’s abstinence-based program for teens called “Postponing Sexual Involvement.”
Source: State of the State Address, Georgia
Jan 14, 1997
Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime.
Bill would make it a criminal offense to harm or kill a fetus during the commission of a violent crime. The measure would set criminal penalties, the same as those that would apply if harm or death happened to the pregnant woman, for those who harm a fetus. It is not required that the individual have prior knowledge of the pregnancy or intent to harm the fetus. This bill prohibits the death penalty from being imposed for such an offense. The bill states that its provisions should not be interpreted to apply a woman's actions with respect to her pregnancy.
Reference: Unborn Victims of Violence Act;
Bill S.1019/HR.1997
; vote number 2004-63
on Mar 25, 2004
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life.
S. 3 As Amended; Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. Vote to pass a bill banning a medical procedure, which is commonly known as "partial-birth" abortion. Those who performed this procedure would then face fines and up to two years in prison, the women to whom this procedure is performed on are not held criminally liable. This bill would make the exception for cases in which a women's life is in danger, not for cases where a women's health is in danger.
Bill S.3
; vote number 2003-51
on Mar 12, 2003
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record.
Miller scores 0% by NARAL on pro-choice voting record
For over thirty years, NARAL Pro-Choice America has been the political arm of the pro-choice movement and a strong advocate of reproductive freedom and choice. NARAL Pro-Choice America's mission is to protect and preserve the right to choose while promoting policies and programs that improve women's health and make abortion less necessary. NARAL Pro-Choice America works to educate Americans and officeholders about reproductive rights and health issues and elect pro-choice candidates at all levels of government. The NARAL ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position.
Source: NARAL website 03n-NARAL on Dec 31, 2003