Choice Chat
26 June 2007, 3:00 PM EDT
Read more about Nancy Keenan
Transcript
NARAL Pro-Choice America:
Welcome to Choice Chat with NARAL Pro-Choice America president Nancy Keenan
Nancy Keenan:
Hey, Nancy here! Welcome to our first web chat! I hope you are as excited as I am to talk about choice in America. Who has the first question?
Betsy:
I live in Massachusetts, the quintessential blue state, where I feel like writing my congressmen makes no difference - they're already pro-choice! What's the best way for pro-choice activists in our state to make a difference?
Nancy Keenan:
In the case of the Federal Abortion ban, it doesn't matter if you live in a “red” or ”blue" state because federal law, decided by U.S. Supreme Court Justices, who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, trumps state law.
So with that in mind, the best thing you can do is: 1) continue to write/call/email all of your lawmakers, both state and federal, and let them know that the pro-choice majority is not a silent majority; and 2) work to ensure that we elect a pro-choice president and pro-choice leaders up and down the ticket in 2008! After all, it was Bush who put far-right conservatives John Roberts and Samuel Alito onto the Supreme Court and succeeded in stacking many lower federal courts with judges who are determined to roll back our reproductive rights.
So with that in mind, the best thing you can do is: 1) continue to write/call/email all of your lawmakers, both state and federal, and let them know that the pro-choice majority is not a silent majority; and 2) work to ensure that we elect a pro-choice president and pro-choice leaders up and down the ticket in 2008! After all, it was Bush who put far-right conservatives John Roberts and Samuel Alito onto the Supreme Court and succeeded in stacking many lower federal courts with judges who are determined to roll back our reproductive rights.
Carol:
Many people I know educated and not, Republican and Democrat always say to me, "they will never overturn Roe" How do I explain to them without going into great detail, that this is what may very well happen?
Nancy Keenan:
The rights protected under Roe v. Wade are too important to take for granted. Let's take the Federal Abortion Ban decision as an example. Seven years ago, the Court struck down a similar state ban as unconstitutional. What changed? Bush appointee Samuel Alito replaced Sandra Day O'Connor and cast the decisive fifth vote upholding this ban. If another pro-choice justice retires, then there's an opening for the fifth anti-Roe vote on the Court. It's just that close.
Lori:
I was reading through the Courts decision, and it sounded like Justice Kennedy was making the argument that there was an exception in the law for a womans health. Did I miss something?
Nancy Keenan:
Hi Lori...good question. Unfortunately, the Federal Abortion Ban has NO exception for a woman's health. That's one of the reasons why we are so concerned about this decision.
Christine:
Does the Supreme Courts decision to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban truly open the door for Roe V. Wade to be overturned? If so, is there anything we can do to prevent that from happening?
Nancy Keenan:
Yes, since the Supreme Court has upheld the Federal Abortion Ban, anti-choice politicians throughout the country are already viewing this decision as a “green light" to interfere further in personal, private medical decisions. Keep in mind that Bush has appointed several anti-choice judges to lower-level federal courts, so the atmosphere is ripe for anti-choice groups to use the courts to challenge Roe.
Julia:
Is the ban already "in effect"?
Nancy Keenan:
Yes, the ban is in effect nationwide. In fact, since federal law trumps state law, even so-called blue states will have to abide by the ban.
Angela:
I am currently in my second trimester of pregnancy, and my husband and I were terrified by the Supreme Court decision. What would happen to me if I have life-threatening complications? Will my doctor be forbidden to help me if it means aborting the fetus?
Nancy Keenan:
First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope everything goes well for you and your husband.
The Federal Abortion ban could apply to second-trimester pregnancies and doesn’t include an exception to protect a woman’s health, but it does provide an exception if a woman’s life is in danger. It’s important to remember that if a doctor concludes that the safest possible care for his or her patient is this outlawed procedure, he or she cannot perform it without risking up to two years in jail unless a woman’s life was at stake.
The Federal Abortion ban could apply to second-trimester pregnancies and doesn’t include an exception to protect a woman’s health, but it does provide an exception if a woman’s life is in danger. It’s important to remember that if a doctor concludes that the safest possible care for his or her patient is this outlawed procedure, he or she cannot perform it without risking up to two years in jail unless a woman’s life was at stake.
Stephanie:
How do I answer the question "What's the Federal Abortion Ban?" Briefly and clearly?
Nancy Keenan:
The Federal Abortion Ban outlaws a safe abortion method used in the second trimester. This is the first time ever that Congress has enacted a law of this kind.
Unfortunately, the law doesn't have an exception to protect a woman's health.
A doctor who violates the ban could go to federal prison for up to two years.
Joan:
As bad as this admimistration is, my most dreaded thought at the last presidential election was the fact that the Supreme court would be contaminated with cosevative idologists. What do you think the next attack on Roe v. Wade will be?
Nancy Keenan:
We expect most of the attacks on Roe to happen in the states, in the form of anti-choice legislation that lawmakers will want hope to use to challenge roe before the Supreme Court. We are very concerned about everything from bans on other safe abortion procedures, to bills (of which we've already seen some) to force a woman to view an ultrasound prior to having an abortion, to new types of biased counseling, to outright bans on abortion. (This year alone, two states enacted near-total abortion bans that would take effect if Roe falls.)
The single biggest threat to Roe, however, is if there is a vacancy on the Court, particularly a seat held by a pro- or mixed-choice justice, and an anti-choice president is allowed to fill that spot. We are likely, at best, one vote away from Roe being overturned. Another Justice, like those Bush has appointed, could provide that critical vote to overturn Roe.
The single biggest threat to Roe, however, is if there is a vacancy on the Court, particularly a seat held by a pro- or mixed-choice justice, and an anti-choice president is allowed to fill that spot. We are likely, at best, one vote away from Roe being overturned. Another Justice, like those Bush has appointed, could provide that critical vote to overturn Roe.
Alicia:
Who will be enforcing the new restrictions on abortion doctors?
Nancy Keenan:
Good question, Alicia.
The Bush Justice Department will enforce this law. Be afraid!
David:
Yes, I have a question regarding
"the bigger picture". If Roe v. Wade is overturned, how many states do you believe will outlaw abortion immediately?
"the bigger picture". If Roe v. Wade is overturned, how many states do you believe will outlaw abortion immediately?
Nancy Keenan:
We can't be entirely sure, but currently there are 14 states with fully anti-choice state governments – this means that their legislature and governor are solidly opposed to a woman's right to choose. Several more states have anti-choice legislatures, with only a pro-choice governor preventing anti-choice bills from becoming law.
Still – the bigger question remains: Should a woman’s right to choose be determined by which state she lives?
Still – the bigger question remains: Should a woman’s right to choose be determined by which state she lives?
Kim:
What are the potential anti-choice restrictions on procedures that may be "constitutional" under the Bush supreme court? More TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws? Other procedure bans?
Nancy Keenan:
There are a number of potential anti-choice bills that can be introduced in the hopes that they are challenged and taken to the Courts. NARAL Pro-Choice America tracks all bills, and we have already seen everything from bans on other safe abortion procedures, to bills that would force a woman to view an ultrasound prior to an abortion, to outright bans on abortion care in any circumstance… and unfortunately, the list goes on.
Susan:
Should there be any restrictions on abortion? Where should the line be drawn?
Nancy Keenan:
Hello, Susan.
Roe v. Wade was a compromise. It balances a woman's right to choose with the state's interest in potential life.
In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman should have the right to choose without government interference. The Federal Abortion Ban takes away a safe option for some women in these circumstances.
Consistent with Roe, we do not oppose bans on abortion after viability, as long as they protect a woman's health and life.
In fact, most states already outlaw post-viability abortion.
Adam:
Can any anti-choice legislation enacted by the Bush administration be over-turned once we finally have a sane, pro-choice person in office?
Nancy Keenan:
Yes. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would effectively repeal the Bush-backed Federal Abortion Ban and other federal restrictions. Contacting your member of Congress to ask them to cosponsor FOCA is crucial. In addition, we will continue working with pro-choice leaders to advance measures that improve access to family planning and support honest and traditional sex education.
Julia:
But seriously, how do they intend to enforce it?
Nancy Keenan:
Well, they could do what they already tried once: to rifle through women's private medical records.
William:
Is there any federal legislation pending before congress that would overturn Supreme Court's decision on upholding the Federal Abortion Ban
Nancy Keenan:
Yes. There are some legal technicalities involved, but the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would effectively repeal the Federal Abortion Ban and other federal restrictions on abortion care, as well as codify the protections of Roe nationwide. That is why it is so very important to contact your members of Congress and ask them to support FOCA (202.224.3121)!
Jan:
I'd like to hear about current pro-choice status of the presidential candidates.
Nancy Keenan:
Thanks for the opportunity to plug our website! Please go to www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/elections, where you will find quotes, voting records, and lots of information about every presidential candidate's position on choice.
Nancy:
What chance does FOCA stand of passing both houses?
Will you be asked to testify regarding lack of access to morning after pill and lack of understanding about the so-called "partial birth aborttion" impact on women who cannot access it when their lives are in danger?
Will you be asked to testify regarding lack of access to morning after pill and lack of understanding about the so-called "partial birth aborttion" impact on women who cannot access it when their lives are in danger?
Nancy Keenan:
On FOCA, our first task is to get as many cosponsors as possible. We made gains in the 2006 elections, but unfortunately anti-choice lawmakers still outnumber pro-choice ones in Congress. On your second question: one of the things we're known for is our relations with key members of Congress. We are in constant contact with offices on the issues you mention, among many others.
Julie:
Do you find anyone on 'The Hill' who is on the the opposite side of this issue who is willing to work with NARAL Pro-Choice America to craft a plan that advocates for commonsense policies that promote reproductive health, prevent unintended pregnancy, and reduce the need for abortion? Granted these are NARAL objectives but is anyone moving toward this view that working toward reducing unintended pregnancies is a reasonable first step towards working together to reduce the need for abortion?
Nancy Keenan:
Well, gee; you are clearly a NARAL Pro-Choice America supporter, aren't you? Yes, I'm pleased to say that there are some lawmakers on the Hill (in Congress) who disagree with us on abortion but agree with us on some common-ground issues. The Prevention First Act is a bill that clearly bridges the pro-choice/pro-life divide.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – who opposes legal abortion – and pro-choice Rep. Louise Slaughter, this bill is a thoughtful package of services to help women and couples prevent unintended pregnancy. Another example is Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine – a lawmaker who, despite differences with us on abortion, is willing to work on prevention.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – who opposes legal abortion – and pro-choice Rep. Louise Slaughter, this bill is a thoughtful package of services to help women and couples prevent unintended pregnancy. Another example is Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine – a lawmaker who, despite differences with us on abortion, is willing to work on prevention.
William:
I am pro-choice. However, I am deeply troubled by the high numbers of yearly abortions. What can be done?
Nancy Keenan:
In addition to NARAL Pro-Choice America's work defending a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, we also aggressively advocate for policies that help women prevent unintended pregnancies. Unfortunately, many anti-choice lawmakers resist these efforts, exposing their hypocrisy as well as their extremism.
If we want to reduce the need for abortion in this country, we need to address the number of unintended pregnancies. Making abortion dangerous or more difficult is not the answer.
Please visit www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/issues/preventionfirst to learn more about our campaign for prevention programs.
If we want to reduce the need for abortion in this country, we need to address the number of unintended pregnancies. Making abortion dangerous or more difficult is not the answer.
Please visit www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/issues/preventionfirst to learn more about our campaign for prevention programs.
Sarah:
What are some options for women who want to be involved with the fight for reproductive choice on a more intimate or active level? What can women who want to volunteer some of their time on a weekly basis do to be most effective in these efforts?
Nancy Keenan:
We definitely need volunteers like you! In light of the recent Federal Abortion Ban decision, the two most important things to do are to contact your members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) (202.224.3121). As I mentioned earlier, FOCA would codify Roe v. Wade’s protections into federal law, guaranteeing the right to choose for generations to come.
The second thing you can do is work with NARAL Pro-Choice America to elect pro-choice candidates, and protect the ones already in office. Elections matter, as we see in the Federal Abortion Ban decision, and we need a pro-choice president in the White House and even more pro-choice leaders in Congress.
Also, if you haven’t already, please join our Choice Action Network (CAN) [just click here http://prochoiceaction.org/can/join.tcl] and make sure you get up-to-the-minute updates on what is going on in Congress and in your state legislature.
The second thing you can do is work with NARAL Pro-Choice America to elect pro-choice candidates, and protect the ones already in office. Elections matter, as we see in the Federal Abortion Ban decision, and we need a pro-choice president in the White House and even more pro-choice leaders in Congress.
Also, if you haven’t already, please join our Choice Action Network (CAN) [just click here http://prochoiceaction.org/can/join.tcl] and make sure you get up-to-the-minute updates on what is going on in Congress and in your state legislature.
Leila:
I suppose this is a fantasy on my part, but do think there will ever come a time when sane people will be in the majority and we won't have to worry about Roe V. Wade being overturned? And I don't mean depending upon which party is in control, but when the freedom of choice will be accepted by all?
Nancy Keenan:
Leila: It would be a great day if choice were secured for all American women. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, if you ignore your rights, they will go away. We've got to stay informed and vigilant against constant attacks in Congress and state legislatures. Thanks for your work and keep it up!
NARAL Pro-Choice America:
Nancy, it looks like we're almost out of time. It's a shame we couldn't get to all 450 questions. Anything else you want to add?
Nancy Keenan:
It's been great talking to you today. Thank you for taking time out of your day to join me.
Your questions and insights will help us as we move forward in protecting a woman's right to choose. I look forward to our next chat and in the meantime please check our website, www.ProChoiceAmerica.org for updates about our work and opportunities for you to take action.
Your questions and insights will help us as we move forward in protecting a woman's right to choose. I look forward to our next chat and in the meantime please check our website, www.ProChoiceAmerica.org for updates about our work and opportunities for you to take action.