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Kristen Day, head the group Democrats for Life, wrote a letter to New York State Senator Jeff Klein after Klein said that “real” Democrats support abortion rights. Hats off to Day for setting the record straight and reminding Sen. Klein, and everyone, that while we pro-lifers are a minority within the Democratic Party, we are not a negligible minority and we may be the only intellectually coherent wing of either party! Here is the full text of Day's letter:
January 31, 2013
Senator Jeff Klein
Legislative Office Building, Room 913
Albany, NY 12247
Dear Senator Klein:
I am writing to respond to your comments that “real” Democrats support a woman’s right
to choose. I disagree with your assessment. Opportunity for everyone, not abortion, is a
core Democratic value.
There is no longer overwhelming support for abortion without restrictions and no longer
overwhelming support for taxpayer funding of abortion. An increasing number of
individuals are identifying themselves as pro-life -- reaching over 50 percent in a recent
Gallup Poll. Conversely, people identifying themselves as pro-choice has reached a
record low of 41 percent according to the same May 23, 2012 poll. Further, one-third (or
21 million) Democrats self-identify as pro-life.
We, as a party, need to focus on ways to bring together Democrats on both sides of this
issue and focus on what unites us -- not tell people that they do not belong because they
disagree on one position.
Further, we need to focus on more support for women facing unplanned pregnancies. The
New York abortion rate is 37.6 per 1000 women, almost double the national average of
19.6. New York also has fewer restrictions, no waiting periods, no informed consent, and
no limitations on public funding of abortion. No woman should believe abortion is the
only choice. Legislation, such as the Pregnant Women Support Act, would be more
beneficial for New York women.
We urge you to reconsider your position on adding the abortion language to the Women’s
Equity bill and consider adding the Pregnant Women Support Act (the Federal Pregnancy
Assistance Fund). Additionally, we ask that you extend an open hand to welcome and
work with pro-life Democrats. The diversity within our Party is a source of strength and
allows us to advocate for real democratic values.
We appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Kristen Day
Executive Director
Democrats For Life of America