Should Abortion Be Illegal?
Today marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared abortion legal in the United States. Support for the ruling has grown since polls began tracking public opinion on abortion in 1989, with 70 percent of Americans now believing the ruling should stand. However, anti-abortion activists have remained steadfast in their opposition to abortion. Thousands of protestors are expected to descend on Washington, D.C. for the annual "March for Life" this week, with similar demonstrations occurring all across the country.
Additionally, anti-abortion activists have put their energy behind state legislation that limits access to abortion, with 19 states implementing 43 provisions last year. Among some of the limitations passed are mandatory waiting periods, parental notification laws, and required ultrasounds for those seeking the procedure. Ati-abortion activists also object to millions of federal dollars being spent on Planned Parenthood, which performs abortions, though federal law already prohibits the clinic from using taxpayer money for abortion services.
Should abortion be illegal? Here is the Debate Club's take.
The Arguments
No — Outlawing abortion doesn’t make it go away, it only makes it dangerous
KIERRA JOHNSON,
Executive Director of Choice USA
Comment
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No — Abortion is essential to women's reproductive healthcare
TERRY O'NEILL,
President of the National Organization for Women
Comment
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Yes — Those in the prolife community are the ones truly helping women
PENNY NANCE,
President and CEO of Concerned Women for America
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No — Access to safe and legal abortions protect women and their families
ERIC FERRERO,
Vice President for Communications for Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Comment
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No — Making abortion illegal would be a giant step backward for the country
DEBRA NESS,
President of the National Partnership for Women & Families
Comment
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Yes — All babies deserve to be protected from the brutality of abortion
CONNIE MACKEY,
President of the Family Research Council Action PAC.
Comment
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Yes — Abortion must be illegal to protect the life of the innocent
GARY MARX,
Executive Director of the Faith and Freedom Coalition
Comment
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Yes — The destruction of innocent life has led to coarsened culture, poverty, reckless sex, and exploitation of women.
GARY BAUER,
President of American Values
Comment
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