WHAT DID BUSH REALLY SAY?

By Carol Long Tobias, NRL PAC Director

Pro-life Texas Governor George W. Bush recently announced the formation of an exploratory committee as he begins his run for the White House. Some news reports about his position on abortion have been mostly accurate, others have been unbelievably out-of-this-world, and yet others are everywhere in between. In an interview with the Associated Press, Bush stated, "I personally believe there is life, and therefore take the position I take." He was asked if that meant all abortions would be constitutionally banned. He said yes, except for circumstances threatening the life of the mother, rape, or incest. When pushed if that would apply to all three trimesters, he said, "Right."

Despite this exchange, one reporter (erroneously) wrote that Bush refused to answer questions about whether first- trimester abortions should be banned.

During the interview, Bush stated, "America is not ready to overturn Roe v. Wade because America's hearts are not right." He added, "America as a country is not prepared to send a message to senators and House members that we want you to do this - - we want you to amend the Constitution" to ban abortions. From that, it was being reported (again, erroneously) that Bush will support a constitutional amendment only if more voters support it.

Actually, Bush is correct in that America isn't sending a message to Congress to pass a constitutional amendment. It takes two-thirds of the House and two-thirds of the Senate, followed by three-fourths of the state legislatures, to pass a constitutional amendment. Voters have not elected enough pro-life candidates who support these efforts.

During the question and answer period that followed the announcement of his exploratory committee, Bush clearly stated that he was opposed to all abortions except for cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.

On the March 14 edition of "Meet the Press," Tim Russert misstated Bush's position saying that he (Bush) is "for exceptions for rape, incest, or health of the mother."

Whether Russert's mistake was innocent or deliberate, it was wrong. Governor Bush has never stated that he would allow abortions for "health" reasons.

So, yes, George W. Bush believes abortion takes the life of a human being. He supports a constitutional amendment with exceptions for life of the mother, rape, or incest; and his position applies to all three trimesters of pregnancy.

For many years, the largely pro-abortion media have tried to separate good pro-life candidates from pro-life voters. The battle for the next election has begun.