Ha--There's others like me! Go life on the left!

I did some research after an immensely heated debate between me and a group of intelligent, yet misguided friends, and happened upon this initiative, proposed by the organization Democrats For Life of America (www.democratsforlife.org). It was an amazing moment to see so many of my ideas put forth by other people. So long have I fought the system that involves Prayer Vigils and Church Petitions by religious zealots who are only prolife because their religion tells them to be, and leaves the non-religious like me and so many other students, women, and liberals in the dust, the only "logical" belief available is one that devalues the very thing that many of us hold dear--life. Life is so precious, everyone deserves it. Especially considering that without religion, we are left with this erroneous yet unshakeable concept of a "person," of life. We cannot define it scientificially, yet we cannot leave it. This concept defines the very essense of the meaning that we so dearly attach to our existance. Who really can know when a fetus becomes a person? Who gets to define what a person is? These questions, in my mind, are unanswerable. That is why I am so against any line we can draw between life and non life, between a women's body and her child. Does "life" begin at conception? I have NOOOO idea. But it could. That uncertainty is the core to why I am Pro-life. Because I place such a value on every person, on every life, that I could not imagine risking ending one. That said, we are not ready for legislation banning abortion. As this initiative outlines, there are so many other steps we must take before that is even a remote possibility. And I am not sure that I would even support anti-abortion legislation after these steps are taken. But without further ado...Here's the proposition, as written by the administrator of Democrats For Life of America:

The 95-10 Initiative

A comprehensive plan that will reduce the number of abortions by 95% in the next 10 years by promoting abstinence, personal responsibility, adoptions and support for women and families who are facing unplanned pregnancy. The 95-10 Initiative seeks to reduce the number of abortions in America through Federal, state and local efforts as well as support and encouragement to volunteers and dedicated people on the front lines helping pregnant women. Much attention has been given to ending abortion or keeping it legal. We believe that we must do more to reduce the abortion rate by helping and supporting pregnant women.

Preventing pregnancy is an important part of reducing the abortion rate in America. There are several ways to address prevention, but there is no clear consensus because of ethical, religious or personal reasons. There are several bills before Congress that address pregnancy prevention. While we have not endorsed a particular bill, we support finding the most effective way to reduce unplanned pregnancies. We cannot deny that abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy, but we also cannot turn our heads and pretend that our children are not engaging in risky behavior or the fact that contraception is not 100 percent effective. The Federal government has made a commitment to support prevention efforts and allocated a record $288.3 million in FY 2005 for family planning under title X. The program provides access to contraceptive supplies and information to all who want and need them. A priority is given to low-income persons.

Pregnant women who wish to carry their children to term have not received that same commitment from the Federal government. We support helping pregnant women who wish to carry their children to term but because of lack of resources believe abortion is their only option. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Congressman Lincoln Davis (D-TN) and Pro-life Democrats in Congress who share this same commitment have introduced the Pregnant Women Support Act (S. 2407 and H.R. 3192) in the U.S Senate and U.S House. The legislation is a comprehensive approach to provide support for pregnant women who want to carry their child to term.

Some of the programs included are:

· establish a toll-free number to direct women to places that will provide support;

· collect accurate data on why women choose abortion;

· provide Pregnancy Counseling and Childcare on University Campuses;

· provide accurate information to patients receiving a positive result from prenatal testing;

· provide counseling in maternity group homes;

· increase the adoption tax credit and it permanent

· eliminate pregnancy as a pre-existing condition with respect to health care;

· provide grants for ultrasound equipment;

· support informed consent for Abortion Services;

· increase awareness about violence against pregnant women;

· require the SCHIP to cover pregnant women and unborn children;

· provide free home visits by registered nurses for new mothers.

Finally, we must protect our children by passing the Child Custody Protection Act, continue to promote Safe Haven laws and support funding programs as the Abandoned Infants Assistance. Democrats For Life of America, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 202.220.3066