10 Most Important Obama Faith Moments
3. Reversing Mexico City Policy on Family Planning Providers Abroad
(Alex Wong/Getty Images)
An abortion-rights activist holds a sign while an antiabortion demonstrator holds a rose during the annual March for Life event held on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
Among Obama's first executive orders was one lifting the ban on federal funds for family-planning groups abroad that endorse or offer abortions, known as the Mexico City policy. Antiabortion groups decried the move as evidence that Obama's pledge to take a new Democratic tack on abortion—one that emphasizes abortion reduction—was empty rhetoric. But White House aides said the president avoided lifting the ban on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, as President Clinton had done, as a show of respect to abortion foes. "This is a signal that the new administration is going to take a different approach and tone from the old culture wars," said a Democrat close to the administration. In a statement on Roe's anniversary, Obama reaffirmed his support for abortion rights but acknowledged those on the other side of the issue: "While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make." The next day, the president reversed the Mexico City policy.
What do you think are the most important "faith moments" in the first 100 days of Obama's presidency?