Politicians going too far on abortion? What the polls say…

By Oregon Right to Life,

The 2024 election is fast approaching and abortion is on the ballot.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz have made no secret of their radical abortion agenda to codify Roe v. Wade, repeal the Hyde Amendment, and expand access to chemical abortion nationwide. At the state level, Democrats have taken up the same banner of abortion extremism.

Here in Oregon, Democrats support keeping abortion legal at any stage of pregnancy, for any reason, even if the unborn human being can feel pain or survive outside the womb. They reject legislation to ensure that babies who survive failed abortions receive the same care as other newborns. They want young girls to be able to get abortions without parental knowledge. And they want taxpayer dollars to pay for all of it.

Will this ruthless brand of abortion extremism serve Democrats this election cycle? Or have they finally gone too far?

It remains to be seen, but it could be that the increasing radicalism of the Democrats on the issue of abortion will be the nudge that many undecided voters need to decide to mark their ballots for someone without a “D” next to their name this year.

The truth is, even in the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe, the majority of voters still don’t consider abortion to be a priority – a fact that may be surprising to those of us deeply enmeshed in the pro-life movement. Many people, including Democrats, are also uncomfortable with unlimited abortion up to the moment of birth. A 2023 Harvard-Harris poll found that 73% of respondents believe the fundamental “right” to an abortion for any reason ends at 15 weeks gestation at the latest. Even in Oregon, where there are no laws protecting unborn life, a 2022 DHM Research study found that the majority of Oregonians would support protecting the unborn in the third trimester with a life of the mother exception, and 41% would place the limit at 15 weeks gestation.

In contrast to the increasingly unhinged abortion activism of Democrats, Republicans are emerging as the more reasonable party, one that seeks real care for women and families.

While Democrats in Oregon want no limits on abortion, Republicans are advancing measures to protect unborn human beings who can feel pain. They also want to ensure that babies who survive abortion attempts receive the same level of care as babies born under typical circumstances.

Republicans in Oregon support laws ensuring informed consent so that women are never rushed into irreversible abortion procedures, and they back practical, life-affirming alternatives for women and families to help them support themselves and their children. And contrary to the bleating of Democrats, Republicans across the board reject the imposition of criminal penalties against women who obtain abortions.

These positions are popular. They have the potential to save lives and to encourage the culture to move in a more life-affirming direction. As pro-life advocates, we need to be willing to make bold moves to secure these protections for the unborn in Oregon.

Last year, ten pro-life senators in our state courageously blocked Democrats’ abortion extremism by participating in a historic walkout, achieving key concessions on radical bills even at the expense of their re-election chances. When they were unable to run for re-election as a consequence of the walkout, Oregon Right to Life helped get pro-life candidates nominated to replace them. The bravery, self-sacrifice, and willingness to step into the breach exemplified by these pro-life lawmakers are vital to counter the ongoing extremism of the abortion lobby.

This election, as always, Oregon Right to Life remains committed to helping pro-life candidates build their message, navigate attacks, and energize voters. This takes focus and dedication. Oregon Right to Life is the only organization in the state working full-time to elect pro-life candidates and gain legal protection for unborn babies while supporting women and families facing unsupported pregnancies. Although we’re outnumbered and out-financed by the abortion industry and its political allies, we have canvassers engaging in year-round door-knocking campaigns. Our voter turnout efforts increase voter participation by 10%, delivering winning margins. With the help of our dedicated supporters and our contacts in the national pro-life sphere, we provide up-to-date political strategies to get pro-life candidates elected and effectively advocate for the most vulnerable once in office.

Oregon voters, even those who may not be entirely convinced of the pro-life message, are seeing the extremism of today’s Democrats and noticing that Republicans are offering a reasonable, compassionate vision: A vision that affirms and promotes the dignity and value of human life. A vision that lifts up women, families, and the innocent unborn. And that’s a good place to start.