The president of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of state right-to-life affiliates, said today she is not surprised by presumptive Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton’s choice of pro-abortion Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate.
“Like Hillary Clinton, Sen. Tim Kaine supports the current policy of abortion on demand,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Like Hillary Clinton, Sen. Kaine is so extreme on abortion he opposes even the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, legislation to protect unborn children from abortion after 20 weeks, when they are capable of feeling excruciating pain during dismemberment or other late abortion methods.”
As a U.S. senator, Kaine has voted against the pro-life position every chance he got. Sen. Kaine voted to allow government funding of abortion providers, and he voted against legislation to require an abortionist to notify at least one parent before performing an abortion on a minor girl from another state.
Kaine took his most extreme pro-abortion action yet with his recent co-sponsorship of the so-called “Women’s Health Protection Act” (S.217), known to pro-lifers as the “Abortion Without Limits Until Birth Act.” This bill would nullify nearly all existing state and federal limitations on regulation of abortion, and prohibit states from enacting meaningful pro-life laws in the future. This revamped version of the long-stalled “Freedom of Choice Act” is a priority of the pro-abortion forces in Washington, D.C.
“Sen. Kaine is good at hiding behind his Catholic background – but no one should be fooled,” Tobias said. “His record, and his openly declared legislative goals, are as pro-abortion as they come.”
Hillary Clinton’s decision to select Senator Tim Kaine, a pro-abortion advocate, as her running mate in the presidential race has ignited both enthusiasm and scrutiny within the political sphere, particularly among supporters and opponents of abortion rights. This strategic move, aimed at bolstering the Democratic ticket and broadening its appeal, underscores the significance of reproductive rights as a pivotal issue in the upcoming election and raises questions about the intersection of politics, ideology, and healthcare policy.
Senator Kaine’s stance on abortion, characterized by his support for Roe v. Wade and opposition to efforts to restrict abortion access, aligns closely with the Democratic Party’s platform and positions him as a staunch advocate for reproductive rights. His selection as Clinton’s running mate sends a clear signal to voters about the ticket’s commitment to protecting and expanding access to abortion services, particularly in the face of ongoing threats to reproductive healthcare at the state and federal levels.
However, Senator Kaine’s position on abortion also highlights the complexities and nuances of the issue within the political landscape. While he identifies as personally opposed to abortion based on his Catholic faith, he has consistently voted in favor of abortion rights and access as a matter of public policy, citing his belief in the separation of church and state and the importance of upholding women’s autonomy and reproductive freedom.
For supporters of abortion rights, Senator Kaine’s selection is seen as a positive step towards advancing progressive policies and safeguarding women’s healthcare. His track record of supporting measures to protect reproductive rights, such as opposing efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and advocating for the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, signals a commitment to championing reproductive justice and ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all individuals.
However, Senator Kaine’s stance on abortion has also drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly among anti-abortion activists and conservative voters. His identification as personally opposed to abortion while supporting its legality and accessibility has been met with skepticism and accusations of inconsistency. Critics argue that his position undermines the sanctity of life and fails to adequately address the moral and ethical dimensions of abortion.
Moreover, Senator Kaine’s selection as Clinton’s running mate has reignited debates within the Democratic Party about the role of abortion rights as a litmus test for political candidates. While some view his support for abortion rights as essential for advancing progressive values and protecting women’s rights, others question whether there is room within the party for individuals with differing views on this contentious issue.
In the midst of these debates, Senator Kaine’s candidacy serves as a focal point for broader discussions about the future of reproductive rights in the United States. As the presidential election approaches, voters will be faced with a choice between competing visions for the country’s healthcare policies, including access to abortion services. Senator Kaine’s selection as Clinton’s running mate underscores the significance of reproductive rights as a central issue in the political landscape and highlights the importance of informed and engaged participation in the electoral process.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
