Fred Thompson on Abortion
Former Republican Senator (TN)
Roe v. Wade was bad law and bad science
On the issue of abortion Thompson was unequivocal: “Prolife.” Asked if he supported overturning Roe v. Wade, Thompson was equally unequivocal: “I think Roe v. Wade was bad law and bad medical science And the way to address that is through good judges. I don’t think the court ought to wake up one day and make new social policy for the country. It’s contrary to what it’s been the past 200 years... That’s what happened in this case [Roe v. Wade]. I think it was wrong.”
Source: The Fred Factor, by Steve Gill, p.143-144 Jun 3, 2007
Appoint strict constructionist judges
As President, Thompson would appoint strict constructionist judges like the man he helped through the confirmation process to the position of Chief Justice, John Roberts.
Source: The Fred Factor, by Steve Gill, p.162 Jun 3, 2007
Has never been pro-choice despite 1994 news reports
Some news reports from Thompson’s 1994 campaign classified him as pro-choice. Thompson confesses to being perplexed over the confusion about his position on the issue: “I have read these accounts [about me being pro-choice] and tried to think back 13 years ago as to what may have given rise to them, although I don’t remember it.”
But, he adds: “I was interviewed and rated pro-life by the National Right to Life folks in 1994, and I had a 100% voting record on abortion issues while in the Senate.” Planned Parenthood gave him a ZERO rating because of his pro-life voting record. NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) gave him an “F” rating when considering potential vice-presidential candidates in 2000.
Ultimately, however, Thompson is motivated on the issue from a personal level, not just a legalistic or moralistic viewpoint. He has said the issue “means more’’ to him now because he has had two children in recent years. “I have seen the sonograms of my babies.’’
Source: The Fred Factor, by Steve Gill, p.159-160 Jun 3, 2007
Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions.
Vote on a motion to table [kill] an amendment that would repeal the ban on privately funded abortions at overseas military facilities.
Reference: Bill S 2549 ; vote number 2000-134 on Jun 20, 2000
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions.
This legislation, if enacted, would ban the abortion procedure in which the physician partially delivers the fetus before completing the abortion. [A NO vote supports abortion rights].
Status: Bill Passed Y)63; N)34; NV)3
Reference: Partial Birth Abortion Ban; Bill S. 1692 ; vote number 1999-340 on Oct 21, 1999
Voted YES on banning human cloning.
This cloture motion was in order to end debate and move to consideration of legislation banning human cloning. [A YES vote opposes human cloning].
But, he (Fred) adds: “I was interviewed and rated pro-life by the National Right to Life folks in 1994, and I had a 100% voting record on abortion issues while in the Senate.” Planned Parenthood gave him a ZERO rating because of his pro-life voting record. NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) gave him an “F” rating when considering potential vice-presidential candidates in 2000.
Giuliani said the same thing, and it was B.S. coming from him too.
Somebody who doesn't think that innocent babies qualify as "persons" whose life is protected by the 14th amendment has no business appointing anyone to the supreme court.
So, if Fred thinks that it is a violation of federalist principles to pass a human life amendment then why did he vote for a federal partial birth abortion ban. A federal law restricting abortion could theoretically violate the 10th amendment unlike a Constitutional Amendment which is by definition constitutional. I think the truth is that a partial birth abortion ban was wildly popular whereas a human life amendment is more controversial. The fact that Fred voted for a partial birth abortion ban but opposes a human life amendment shows that his opposition is based on politics not on principle.
“Has never been pro-choice despite 1994 news reports”
I don’t think Senator Thompson is pro-choice. However, I don’t think he is trully pro-life either. He is sitting on a fence just like so many others have done before him. That is why abortion continues to be practiced in this “civilized” nation of ours.