I think the bigger issue that this brings up is just how far to the right the GOP is swinging on abortion (not to mention the missed opportunity Moderates & Liberals have to attack the GOP on it). For years, there were actually three really "accepted" views on rape; pro-choice, pro-life except in instances of rape/incest mother's life, & pro-life in all cases. Pro-life in "all cases" was the extreme fringe view, yet its slowly becoming a more accepted view within the GOP.
For woman in this election, this comes down to a choice between a pro-choice ticket (Obama/Biden) & a pro life/very pro life ticket (Romney/Ryan). Now, Romney v.fall 2012 is a pro-life (with exceptions) candidate who, if he sticks with what he's said during his 6 years running for President as opposed to what he said when he was Governor, will nominate Supreme Court judges who'll overturn Roe v. Wade & sign legislation banning Abortion at the Federal level (except in instances of Rape/Incest).
Like his economic "plan", there's been no mention in the Romney camp as to how exactly this'll work. Questions;
Who decides if it was rape? We know the GOP doesn't trust the woman to make this distinction, so a judge? A cop? A medical examiner? How long will a woman have to wait in Romney's America to get the abortion that Romney "accepts"? Does statutory rape count? If abortions were banned federally except in cases of rape/incest/mother's life, how will woman in States that don't have abortion facilities (Louisianna, for 1) get their abortion? Will Louisianna have to get an abortion clinic to comply?
For that matter, who decides the woman's life is in danger? All pregnancies are potentially dangerous, so what kind of odds would be acceptable in Romney's abortion illegal America that would allow a woman to terminate a "dangerous" pregnancy? I'm sure a Doctor would need to recommend it, but what if a 2nd opinion is a requirement in this Law & those 2 opinions are different (or have different survival odds)?
The fact is, if Romney is elected, Abortions would be banned in this country. There's been no mention how the exception would play out & that should be scary to every woman in this entire country who doesn't believe in Pro-Life in all instances. Democrats are stupid for not attacking Republicans on this & spelling it out for moderate/liberals/non-crazy conservatives.
It would be the biggest Government expansion into people's bedrooms since prior to Roe v. Wade, the biggest "infringement" on personal freedom since the Patriot act, & the worst bureaucratic mess since the DMV. I think Obama can win on this issue alone, if he can present the argument right.
Edit:
I guess Obama did mention some of this,
but did it on Leno. That isn't something any sane person watches, so 'Bama we still need him to phrase this argument right.
Edited, Oct 25th 2012 11:10am by Omegavegeta