Abortion – When Is a Baby Entitled to Human Rights?

Summary

• Does not venture an opinion on when a baby is entitled to human rights ... Is Pro-Choice, and supports Roe v. Wade ... Has as a goal to keep abortions "safe, legal, and rare." ...

Summary

• A baby is entitled to human rights at the moment of conception.

Well, I think that whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade. But let me just speak more generally about the issue of abortion because this is something I — obviously, the country wrestles with. One thing that I'm absolutely convinced of is that there is a moral and ethical element to this issue. And so I think anybody who tries to deny the moral difficulties and gravity of the abortion issue, I think, is not paying attention. So that would be point number one. But point number two: I am — I am pro-choice. I believe in Roe v. Wade. And I come to that conclusion not because I'm pro-abortion but because, ultimately, I don't think women make these decisions casually. I think they wrestle with these things in profound ways, in consultation with their pastors, or their spouses, or their doctors [and] their family members. And, so for me, the goal right now should be — and this is where I think we can find common ground — and by the way, I've now inserted this into the Democratic Party platform — is: how do we reduce the number of abortions? Because the fact is is that, although we've had a President who is opposed to abortion over the last eight years, abortions have not gone down.

Warren: Have you ever voted to limit or reduce abortions?] Well, I am in favor, for example, of limits on late-term abortions if there is an exception for the mother's health. Now, from the perspective of those who, you know, are pro-life, I think they would consider that inadequate, and I respect their views. I mean, one of the things that I've always said is is that on this particular issue, if you believe that life begins at conception — and you are consistent in that belief — then I can't argue with you on that because that is a core issue of faith for you. What I can do is say, are there ways that we can work together to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies so that we actually are reducing the sense that women are seeking out abortions? And as an example of that, one of the things that I've talked about is, how do we provide the resources that allow women to make the choice to keep a child? You know, have we given them the health care that they need? Have we given them the support services they need? Have we given them the options of adoption that are necessary? That, I think, can make a genuine difference.

At the moment of conception. I have a 25-year pro-life record in the Congress, [and] in the Senate. And as President of the United States , I will be a pro-life President, and this Presidency will have pro-life policies. That's my commitment; that's my commitment to you.

August 16, 2008
Lake Forest, CA
Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency
Hosted by Rick Warren

August 16, 2008
Lake Forest, CA
Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency
Hosted by Rick Warren