Abortion Rights Under Siege: A Year of Loss and Resolution

Strategic Insights -

A year ago, supporters of abortion rights felt a sense of optimism with a newly elected Democratic president and his party controlling the House and Senate. However, events quickly took a turn for the worse, starting with the assassination of renowned abortion doctor George Tiller, followed by the passage of a congressional provision that limited access to abortion coverage in proposed health care reform legislation. As the nation prepares for the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, both sides of the debate are once again locked in a heated battle over health care and reproductive rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • A gunman killed abortion doctor George Tiller in May 2010, leading to the closure of his clinic, a center for women's health.
  • The provision sponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) prevented women receiving federal insurance subsidies from buying insurance that pays for abortions, a significant setback for abortion rights advocates.
  • The National Right to Life Committee condemned the killing of Tiller as an isolated incident, while also stating that it would have no influence on the abortion component of the health care debate in Congress.
  • The Roeder case will allow his attorneys to argue that he shot Tiller to protect the lives of unborn babies and may plead voluntary manslaughter instead of first-degree murder.
  • Abortion rights advocates warn that the ruling will embolden anti-abortion extremists and could result in "open season" on doctors across the country.
  • The abortion component of the health care debate is expected to continue, with both sides preparing to mobilize at the state level.

Statistics:

  • 37 years since the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion (Jan. 22, 1973)
  • 1 abortion doctor killed, George Tiller, in May 2010
  • 1 federal provision passed, Stupak amendment, that limits access to abortion coverage
  • descongestants many anti-abortion ballot initiatives and midterm candidacies

*ovolience 1 state-level controversy, the Roeder case, over the abortion debate

Sources:

  • Washington Post, "Abortion debate heats up as health care vote looms"
  • The National Right to Life Committee, "Statement on Tiller Assassination"
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America, "Press Release: Shocking Ruling in Tiller Assassination Case"
  • National Women's Law Center, "Press Release: WAKE-UP CALL ON ABORTION ACCESS IN HEALTH CARE REFORM"
  • Feminist Majority Foundation, "Statement on the Roeder Case"