Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — First Lady Laura Bush has possibly changed her position on abortion. When her husband George W. Bush was running for president in 2000, Laura Bush indicated she was pro-choice on the issue of abortion and did not favor overturning Roe v. Wade.
Last week, the First Lady came to the defense of her husband’s policy on embryonic stem cell research.
In August 2001, President Bush put forward an executive order preventing taxpayer funding of any new embryonic stem cell research.
In response to critics who contend the decision stalls important scientific research, Laura Bush promoted the use of adult stem cells and sided with numerous doctors who say such cures, if they happen, are likely many years away.
Her actions prompted a Washington Times reporter to ask Laura Bush whether she has changed her mind on the issue of abortion.
Asked on Thursday whether she is now pro-life, the First Lady responded, "Yes, I think abortion should be rare."
Laura Bush also told Times reporter Bill Sammon that she agreed with President Bush that human life begins at conception.
No one was available in Laura Bush’s press office to provide further details on the quote.
Elizabeth Graham, associate director of Texas Right to Life, told LifeNews.com she wasn’t sure if the brief comment indicates Laura Bush has changed her mind on abortion and overturning Roe v. Wade.
"Hopefully [she] is realizing that abortion harms and exploits women, which may be motivating her to speak out a little more forcefully than usual on a controversial issue," Graham said.
Previously, the Fist Lady has said that she didn’t think the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion should be reversed.
"No, I don’t think it should be overturned," Mrs. Bush told NBC’s "Today Show" in January 2001. [Source]
5 comments
Asked on Thursday whether she is now pro-life, the First Lady responded, “Yes, I think abortion should be rare.”
Laura Bush also told Times reporter Bill Sammon that she agreed with President Bush that human life begins at conception.
Which is it???????
I am glad Mrs. Bush is coming to the anti-abortion side and view.
However, I still see her sitting on both sides of the fence on the issue; life either begins at conception and thus abortion is murder and wrong (not just ‘rare’), or life doesn’t begin at conception and a ‘rare’ abortion is not murder.
It sounds like she’s rethinking the issue to me John. That’s a good thing.
Thanks Jeff for the article.
Hey John – it took me a while, too. It didn’t crystallize for me til I got pregnant myself. It’s a little old to be realizing these ideas, but I think it’s a good start.
This is an interesting article.
this country will need all our prayers, when the new President starts his distraction of this country.