Expert: Deborah - 11/5/2008

Question
Hello there. As a woman and a strong supporter of choice, I was very excited when it was announced that Barack Obama was elected President! I know there was a lot of concern by women's rights and pro-choice advocates that if McCain/Palin were elected, it could quite possibly mean an end to Roe V Wade. I couldn't believe my ears when Palin spoke of how she didn't support improving access to emergency contraception for rape victims, and wouldn't even support a woman's right to choose in cases of rape or incest! How outrageous! It baffles me how any self-respecting woman with even an ounce of intelligence could have voted for those two.

I have two questions. The first is do you think their stance on the abortion issue(which was very much out of touch with mainstream voters) contributed to their failure? And secondly, what do you think the election of Obama means for the future of a woman's right to choose? I have heard that Obama intends to reverse the Global Gag rule! This is so exciting. I must admit that I am feeling quite smug right about now! The anti-choice REALLY thought this was going to be their big break, but American women proved today that we are NOT going to tolerate any attacks on our hardwon rights and freedom. I am so proud to be a woman today!

Sincerely,

Michelle

Answer
Dear Michelle,

I feel all of the same emotions that you are feeling!  Yes, Palin's irrational anti-abortion stance definitely attributed to McCain's loss.
Also, Obama's presidency will be beneficial to protecting choice.

HOWEVER, do not let your guard down.  Anti-choice lunatics will only be emboldened as a result of their defeat, and they will double their efforts to take down Roe.  For the last 3 decades, they have been quietly putting anti0choice people into all levels of government, from mayors to judges, to selectman, etc., etc. Stay on your guard and fight them whenever you encounter them.

Also, some people think the way the Supreme Court is right now that there are enough votes to overturn Roe.  If that were to happen there would be nothing Obama could do about it.  

Take care,

Deb