The Issue of Abortion in Election Campaigns

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the debate over abortion. It specifically discusses it as the ethical issue that separated Barack Obama and John McCain in their run for presidency. The paper briefly looks at the history of the issue and then at it as one of the main issues that divide liberals and conservatives. A discussion of how the issue of abortion is relevant during election cycles is also provided.

From the Paper:

"Both sides of this issue have equally powerful interest group representation. Liberals have many feminists and others that believe it should be a woman's right to choose. Those on this side of the issue believe that the government has no right to tell an individual what they can or cannot do with their body. An example of a powerful group that supports abortion is the National Organization of Women. They do not see a fetus as a life and do not define it as such. Conservatives have many supporters that respect life and believe that it begins at conception. Many religious organizations support those that are pro-life. Pro-life supporters often come to this conclusion because of their moral convictions. They cannot justify taking a life and many believe that life begins at conception. Many would only believe that abortion is acceptable only if the mother's life is in danger or in severe cases of rape."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Barack Obama: Change We Can Believe In." Barack Obama Online. Site Accessed September 14, 2008. <http://www.johnmccain.com>
• Bardes, Barbara. American Government and Politics Today. Belmot: Thomson/Wadsworth. 2004.
• "Charlie Gibson interview GOP vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin." Site Accessed September 14, 2008. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5795641&page=7
• "McCain For President." John McCain Online. Site Accessed September 14, 2008. <http://www.johnmccain.com>

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