There’s no question that the Democratic Party platform is extreme on abortion, but there continue to be those in the party who struggle valiantly to find a place for themselves while also championing the pro-life position on abortion. But at every turn, the party seems insistent on telling pro-lifers that they are not welcome.
Earlier this summer, the Missouri Democratic Party debated its official party platform. Originally, it read that Democrats would support “a woman’s right to choose” and to “be free from intrusion in medical decisions, including to carry a pregnancy to term.” However, some objected, stating there should be room in the party for differing opinions. Joan Barry, a former Democratic politician, noted, “We are losing votes because people think you can’t possibly be a Democrat and be pro-life. We are tired of being second class citizens in our party. We just want to know we are accepted in the party under our broad umbrella.” The party then decided to add an amendment, decrying the need for a purity test on abortion:
“We respect the conscience of each Missourian and recognize that members of our party have deeply held and sometimes differing positions on issues of personal conscience, such as abortion. We recognize the diversity of views as a source of strength, and welcome into our ranks all Missourians who may hold differing positions on this issue.”
READ: Pro-life Democrats speak out against party’s pro-abortion stance
But this, evidently, was unacceptable. NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes both released statements slamming the more inclusive language. Alison Dreith, executive director for NARAL, called it a “slap in the face to the base voters of the party.” Rachel Sweet of Planned Parenthood said welcoming pro-lifers equalled “signaling to its female supporters that their rights are expendable.” And so the party dutifully acquiesced to the abortion industry’s demands, reversing the decision to be inclusive and welcoming to pro-lifers. In short, the party effectively chose to require members to support abortion.
According to Gallup, one-third of Democrats identify as pro-life, yet the party continually tells pro-lifers that they are not welcome. There are millions of Americans who would consider supporting the Democratic Party if they would, at least, allow them to feel welcome and wanted within the party. Instead, they continue to push these voters away, showing that the party is not concerned with supporting true choice.
Instead, the party has chosen to ally itself with the abortion industry, at the expense of the American people.
