Reproductive Rights
Pro-choice is the right choice
We at the Anti-Corruption Party know that the topic of abortion is nuanced and difficult. However, this nation has freedom of religion. It seems odd to us, that the same people who talk about freedom for themselves, want to impose their religious beliefs upon everyone else. Personally held religious beliefs should not be grounds to mandate rules for an entire population.
Roe v. Wade was as close to a reasonable doctrine on abortion as this country has gotten. For all cases, the ACP believes that abortion should be legal before the third trimester. However, there are special cases where that line should change. We feel that in the case of rape or incest of a minor, that minor has a right to an abortion at any time before the child is born. Especially if the perpetrator is coercing the minor. Similarly, in cases where the life of the mother is in jeopardy, or severe fetal defect, the deadline should be extended to any time before birth.
IVF and other fertility treatments that may destroy a fertilized egg should be allowed. Fertilized eggs that are in test tubes, are not fetuses, nor should they be considered viable life for that matter. Viability comes from the attachment to the mother. Gene editing should only be allowed to remove significant and proven gene mutations that cause disease. We do not want to see massive amounts of genetic editing that results in designer babies. We view this as an affront to nature. One that borders on eugenics.
As a final note, we recognize abortion for what it is. It is the ending of a potential human life and that should not be taken lightly, or callously. These decisions that women and doctors make together are rarely easy. We do not want to see doctors and women go to jail because they had to make an impossible choice. With that said, there is a reason why a fetus doesn’t get a social security card at conception. We need to acknowledge the facts of reality, not use religious dogma, to inform these critical decisions about family planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about birth control and contraceptives?
There is no reason why the public should not have birth control and contraceptives made available to them. We also support plan B and the so called “abortion pill.” Sex is part of human nature, we should not be forced into taking risks due to someone else’s religious beliefs.
Why should we pay for Planned Parenthood?
Planned Parenthood does more than provide abortion care. For some women, it is their primary source of gynecological care too. This is not to mention providing contraceptives.
What do you define as a major fetal defect?
The specifics of that are beyond our capacity as laymen. We would need to work up exception classes with a panel of doctors. Nuance is needed.
Where do you stand on surrogacy?
While we find paid surrogacy a slippery slope, it is not the government’s place to deny it as an exchange. Voluntary surrogacy is much preferred.