Jim Pinkerton - It's the Pro-lifers' Moment

Bush's re-election, the Peterson case and other factors show that the right has gathered steam.

by Jim Pinkerton
November 25, 2004

On abortion, the tide has turned.

Events in 2004 have heralded the moment when pro-life -- or, if one prefers, anti-choice -- forces gained decisive momentum. This trend cannot be dismissed merely as a victory of Karl Rove and the Religious Right. Instead, deeper forces are at work: the basic instinct to perpetuate the species.

Let's consider the evidence, from just this month. First, George W. Bush, an abortion opponent, won 31 states and a second term.

Second, Sen. Arlen Specter, one of the few pro-choice Republicans in the Senate, was threatened with the loss of his judiciary committee chairmanship -- unless he pledged not to block pro-life nominees for judgeships, including for the Supreme Court.

Third, just on Tuesday, Congress passed legislation guaranteeing the right of health-care providers to refuse to take part in abortions. In the cheering words of the conservative Family Research Council, "This is a monumental victory in the fight for life."

Ind…