Abortion Case Deliberations

In response to “Battle Moves to Hearts, Minds,” Column Right, Dec. 4:

Charles Krauthammer displays a startling lack of understanding when suggesting that “the great abortion debate is over,” and “never again will abortion be criminalized.” He greatly underestimates the solid commitment that anti-abortion activists have to denying women the right to decide. This debate will never be over.

The misconception that the Freedom of Choice Act will easily be enacted into law, now that we have a pro-choice President, is a common one. FOCA is “the legislative equivalent” of Roe vs. Wade, as it is currently written. But strong attempts will be made to alter the language to allow a host of restrictions, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

The public does not yet understand the onerous effects that mandatory waiting periods have on many women. The anti-abortion lobby knows this and will use it in a strategy to debilitate passage of legislation designed to restore freedom of choice as we’ve known it for 20 years.

We’ve learned our lesson. Pro-choice forces will never again become complacent about safeguarding the right to privacy.

BARBARA JACKSON

Direct of Public Affairs

Planned Parenthood

Orange and San Bernardino Counties