Dems On Both Sides Of Abortion Issue Call For Common Ground

By Laura Woodhead - Talk Radio News Service

We need to come together to work out a solution to reduce abortions said a coalition of pro-choice and pro-life Democrats on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference to announce the introduction of the Ryan-Delauro "Preventing Unintended Pregnancies, Reducing The Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act", Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) said that this is a bill whose "time has come."

"You get into public live to solve problems" Ryan said. " With this legislation we are solving a major problem, a divisive issue in this country"

The 87 page bill would reduce the need for abortions through an increase in family planning initiatives, which would include better access to both preventative and postpartum care.

"This is not a decision that we take lightly. It is a morally complex matter of conscience that goes to our most fundamental principles. That is why this bill is so important," said the bill's co-author Rep. Rosa Delauro (D-Conn.). "It aims to break a stalemate that has impeded the progress on reducing the number of abortions in this country."

Speaking in support of the Ryan-Delauro bill were advocates from both ends of the ideological spectrum on the abortion debate, including the President of NARAL Pro Choice America Nancy Keenan and Pastor Dr. Joel Hunter who serves on the board of the World Evangelical Alliance.

"Americans want solutions not rhetoric," Keenan said. "The Ryan-DeLauro bill is a welcome and constructive addition to the call for common ground."

"[I] Challenge all well meaning pro-life people to support this bill," Dr. Hunter said. "[The bill will] make a measurable difference in the challenge and the tragedy of abortion in our nation."

Rep. Ryan called it a historic moment for Congress, and showed that progress can be made on even the most contentious of issues.

"I believe that this such a divisive issue that when we agree and find common ground on [it] there is no issue under this dome that we can't solve together if we are all willing to lead," Ryan said.