Thursday, September 18, 2008

Day 3: Obama vs. McCain on women issues. Open thread.


John McCain on Women’s Issues
In his own words: “I do not support Roe v. Wade. It should be overturned.”

Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health Care
2007 Rating from NARAL: Pro Choice America and Planned Parenthood: 0

August 2007: McCain voted to codify a controversial legislation that allows states to make an embryo or fetus—but not a pregnant woman—eligible for healthcare coverage.
October 2003: McCain repeatedly voted for (and co-sponsored) the Federal Abortion ban, a law that criminalizes some abortion services, with no exception to protect a woman’s health, and carries up to a two-year prison sentence for doctors.
May 2003: McCain supported the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, a law that grants separate legal status to an embryo or fetus.
March 2003: Voted against a resolution in support of Roe v. Wade and a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion services.
(From Naral: Pro-Choice America)

Equal Pay
2006 Rating from NOW: 13%

April 2008: McCain opposed the recent Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Senate bill that sought equal pay for women. It failed to pass in the Senate by a 56-42 vote, with McCain using the excuse that it would make it easier for women to sue their employers for pay discrimination.

Also, he promotes adoption.

From Obama's website:

Barack Obama on women issues

Supports a Woman's Right to Choose:
Preventing Unintended Pregnancy:
Reducing Domestic Violence:
Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws:
Fighting Gender Violence Abroad:

Fighting for Pay Equity:
As president, Obama will continue to promote paycheck equity and close the wage gap between men and women.
Investing in Women-Owned Small Businesses:
Barack Obama and Joe Biden encourage investing in women-owned businesses, providing more support to women business owners and reducing discrimination in lending.

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