Abortion
From LPedia
Abortion, in conjunction with the abortion debates, refers to the voluntary termination of a pregnancy, generally through the use of surgical procedures or drugs, but can be self-induced by the pregnant female by such methods as falling on her stomach. The Libertarian Party takes no official stance either way since there is such dissent between libertarians. A large majority of Libertarians polled said they think the Party should never take a stance on abortion, along with the death penalty, since it is such a controversial issue.
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[edit] Roe v Wade
Libertarians oppose the federal level getting involved one way or the other with abortion. As such, Libertarians call for a reversal of the Roe v Wade decision and repeal of all legislation enacted by the federal government. Some Libertarians make an exception here, however, in cases where the would-be mother's life is at risk, citing that although the 14th amendment doesn't legalize abortion (and that, hence, the decision in Roe v. Wade is incorrect), it still does guarantee that no State can abridge the right to life. It is their contention that this grants to the would-be mother the right to make whatever medical decisions she needs to sustain her life, including abortion.
Other Libertarians, for example: those in the organization Libertarians For Life, may argue this exception is not valid, citing that this same clause of the 14th amendment guarentees the right of the fetus to have, in the least, an attempt for life. The disagreement between Libertarians, even at this minor level, further guarentees that there will likely never be an official Libertatian position on abortion.
[edit] Abortion Funding
Pro-abortion and anti-abortion Libertarians alike call for no funding, federally or state-level, for abortion. It is wrong to take from one person and give to another; moreso with abortion, it is immoral to take from a person who views abortion as murder and use it to pay for an abortion. (Also see: taxes)
[edit] Libertarians' Political Stance
Libertarians consistently believe in the Constitution, the rule of law, individual liberty and personal responsibility. We do not run to the state whenever we see something we don't like or when we can't seem to persuade others to change their ways voluntarily. As such, the majority of Libertarians, on both sides, are opposed to any type of legislation one way or the other; instead, they advocate using private institutions to educate people since a War on Abortion would bring about a worse situation while failing to reduce abortion rates.
[edit] Quotes Regarding or Relating to Abortion
- To compel a man to furnish contributions for the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical -- Thomas Jefferson
- [The government's] War on Poverty has expanded welfare in America. Its War on Drugs has escalated the use of drugs. Any government War on Abortion could easily lead within five years to men having abortions. -- Harry Browne, http://harrybrowne.org/Journal0408.htm
