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…
