By Dave Andrusko

Part Two investigates the threat of Senate Democrats to use reconciliation to win passage of health care "reform." Please send your comments on either part to daveandrusko@gmail.com.

Well, according to NARAL's annual "Who Decides? The Status of Women's Reproductive Rights in the United States" report, the overall grade for the United States has "improved" from D- to D. But hope springs eternal at the home of the organization which tells the reader modestly that its "Who Decides"? is "the preeminent publication of choice-related state laws and legislative activity."

Let's see what NARAL has to say, one year plus into the reign of the most pro-abortion President in American history.

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL

As NARAL President Nancy Keenan sees it, ""For pro-choice Americans, 2009 was a roller-coaster ride." She observes, "On the one hand, we saw positive changes in policies that will make a difference in the lives of women and their families. On the other hand, anti-choice politicians used health reform to advance destructive and divisive attacks on women's access to abortion coverage."

NARAL lauds President Obama because he immediately "began to undo eight years of damage" otherwise known as (for example) signing an order to direct U.S. funds to organizations that perform and promote abortion overseas--a reversal of the pro-life "Mexico City" policy.

NARAL also praised Obama for stocking his Administration with allies in key positions and for nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

As you would expect, NARAL scores votes differently than does NRLC. By NARAL's count, "In 2009, 14 states and Washington, D.C. enacted 21 pro-choice measures" while "14 states enacted 29 anti-choice measures." A particular bone in their throat is the enactment of laws that establishes "Choose Life" license plates. The thought of some of this money going to poverty-stricken women helping centers is almost more than Keenan can endure.

While the loaded language is absurd, we would agree with Keenan's assessment of pro-life tenacity. "Every time we take a step forward," she laments, "we will face unrelenting resistance from anti-choice politicians who will sink to new lows to undermine women's freedom and privacy."

Part Two