(202) 220-3066
Washington, DC – A strong Democratic Platform would be a “Big Tent” platform that fully reflects the rich diversity of Democratic voters. The draft platform released yesterday is greatly weakened by its failure to recognize the party’s pro-life constituency. Democrats For Life of America asks for Big Tent language in the platform that welcomes both pro-choice and pro-life voters.
Almost one-third of all Democrats self-identify as pro-life. In the 2008 Election, about one-quarter of Obama’s supporters self-identified as pro-life. These numbers are not trivial; they exceed many prominent and well-represented constituencies in the party. Electoral success for the party nationwide will depend on the enthusiasm of all Democrats, including pro-life Democrats.
“For the good of the Democratic Party, we will continue to advocate that the platform language should reflect the true diversity of views within the Democratic Party,” said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America. "Our message is simple: If you are pro-life and a Democrat, you can make a difference, thus the case for recognition. Inclusion can make a critical difference in this fall’s election.
In 1978, the Democratic Party, held a 292-seat majority in the U.S. House, with 125 pro-life Democrats. Increased partisanship over the pro-life issue—including the rejection of pro-life candidates within the Democratic Party—caused many of the pro-life Democratic districts to elect Republican candidates. In fact, the number of pro-choice Democrats in the House has essentially remained around 167. It is the number of pro-life Democrats that decreased from 125 to only 17, leaving Democrats overall with only 184 Members.
“If we are going to increase our members and win the majority, we must recognize the contributions of pro-life Democrats within our party and the diverse position of Democrats on the issue of abortion,” said Day.
That diversity of opinion is as follows:
- 61% of Democrats support parental consent for minors seeking abortion (Gallup, 2011);
- 60% of Democrats support a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortion (Gallup, 2011);
- 84% of Democrats support informed consent (Gallup, 2011);
- 49% of Democrats support an ultrasound requirement (Gallup, 2011);
- 59% of Democrats support a ban on partial-birth abortions (Gallup, 2011).
At the Democratic National Convention, DFLA intends to showcase Pro-life Democratic leaders in the political, academic and religious fields who have stood up for pro-life values.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Charlotte, 201 South McDowell Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
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