WASHINGTON – The National Right to Life Committee today reinforced its endorsement of Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts for re-election to the United States Senate, noting that “independent” candidate Greg Orman would be “just another pro-abortion, anti-life Democrat vote” if elected.
“Greg Orman has the same extreme abortion position as Barack Obama,” said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life president. “Both Greg Orman and Barack Obama support a policy which allows abortion on demand for any reason.”
National Right to Life’s Tobias observed that, if elected, Orman, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat, and who supported Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, “would support the Obama-Harry Reid pro-abortion, anti-life agenda, which is out of touch with most Kansans and mainstream America.”
The Associated Press reported on September 4 that Orman “supports abortion rights.”
In sharp contrast, Sen. Pat Roberts has compiled a 100% pro-life voting record and, as National Right to Life noted in its April 21 endorsement, Roberts “has been a key supporter of every major pro-life initiative” during his tenure in the U.S. Senate.
Roberts is a co-sponsor of S. 1670, the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” – groundbreaking legislation to protect unborn children at 20 weeks, a point by which the unborn child is capable of experiencing great pain when being killed by dismemberment or other late abortion methods.
Roberts voted against enactment of Obamacare, which provides government funding for insurance plans that pay for abortion on demand, and will lead to the rationing of lifesaving medical treatments. On April 1, 2014, he introduced the “Repeal Rationing in Support of Life Act,” which targets the four key rationing components of Obamacare identified in a March 2014 report issued [www.nrlc.org/communications/healthcarereport] by National Right to Life.
“Greg Orman would be one more pro-abortion, anti-life Democrat vote in the U.S. Senate,” Tobias said. “No one should be fooled by Greg Orman’s ‘independent’ charade. Kansans should vote to re-elect Pat Roberts.”
In a politically charged statement, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) has labeled Greg Orman, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, as “one more pro-abortion, anti-life Democrat.” This assertion underscores the NRLC’s concern over Orman’s potential impact on pro-life policies and the broader abortion debate in America.
The National Right to Life Committee’s Position
The National Right to Life Committee is a leading pro-life organization dedicated to protecting human life from conception until natural death. The NRLC is influential in shaping public opinion and policy regarding abortion and other life issues. Their endorsement or condemnation can significantly impact political campaigns, particularly among pro-life voters.
Who is Greg Orman?
Greg Orman is a businessman and politician who ran as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. Despite his independent status, the NRLC views his stance on abortion as aligning with pro-abortion rights perspectives commonly associated with the Democratic Party. Orman has expressed support for reproductive rights, which has positioned him at odds with pro-life advocates.
NRLC’s Critique of Orman’s Stance
The NRLC’s characterization of Orman as “pro-abortion” and “anti-life” centers on his support for policies that they believe undermine the sanctity of human life. This critique reflects a broader concern among pro-life groups about the potential consequences of electing candidates who support abortion rights.
Policy Positions and Voting Record
Orman has indicated support for maintaining the legal framework established by Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. He has also expressed opposition to efforts aimed at restricting access to abortion services. These positions are in direct conflict with the NRLC’s mission to limit and ultimately end abortion.
The Implications of an Independent Candidate
While Orman ran as an independent, the NRLC argues that his election would effectively bolster the pro-abortion rights camp in the Senate. They believe that his policies and votes would align more closely with Democratic Senators who support abortion rights, thus contributing to the advancement of what they term “anti-life” legislation.
The Political Context
The NRLC’s statement must be understood within the broader political context. The battle over abortion rights in the United States is highly polarized, with significant implications for both state and federal legislation.
Senate Composition and Legislative Impact
The composition of the Senate is crucial in determining the fate of abortion-related legislation. Pro-life advocates aim to ensure a majority that supports restrictive abortion laws, while pro-abortion rights advocates seek to protect and expand access to abortion services. The election of a single Senator can tip the balance, making the NRLC’s opposition to Orman particularly pointed.
Public Opinion and Voter Influence
Public opinion on abortion is deeply divided. The NRLC’s statement is likely aimed at mobilizing pro-life voters to oppose Orman’s candidacy. By framing Orman as a “pro-abortion, anti-life Democrat,” the NRLC seeks to galvanize its base and influence the outcome of the election.
Broader Implications for the Pro-Life Movement
The NRLC’s strong stance against Orman highlights the challenges and strategies of the pro-life movement in contemporary American politics.
Advocacy and Mobilization
Pro-life organizations like the NRLC engage in advocacy to promote their legislative goals. This includes endorsing candidates who support their views and opposing those who do not. The NRLC’s statement on Orman is part of a broader strategy to influence electoral outcomes and ensure that pro-life policies are prioritized in Congress.
The Role of Independent Candidates
The rise of independent candidates poses both opportunities and challenges for advocacy groups. While independents can disrupt traditional party dynamics, their policy positions can be unpredictable. The NRLC’s opposition to Orman underscores the importance of clear policy alignment in their endorsements.
Conclusion
The National Right to Life Committee’s condemnation of Greg Orman as “one more pro-abortion, anti-life Democrat” reflects deep-seated concerns about the potential impact of his election on pro-life policies. This statement is part of the NRLC’s broader efforts to influence electoral outcomes and protect what they consider the sanctity of human life. As the debate over abortion rights continues to polarize American politics, the positions and actions of advocacy groups like the NRLC will remain critical in shaping the legislative landscape.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
