Dems shift platform to woo pro-lifers

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By Donald Lambro

Democrats aiming to woo pro-life voters have added new language to the party platform calling for taxpayer-funded efforts to reduce the number of abortions.

Although the platform retains its traditional statement supporting "a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion," the party's platform committee approved new wording last week in Pittsburgh that some Catholics and evangelicals say is a "significant step" toward reaching out to abortion opponents.

The platform language calls for more government programs, income assistance and adoption services to aid a woman's decision to have a child.

"The Democratic Platform Committee really reached out to moderate religious leaders from evangelical and Catholic religious communities. The resulting language on abortion is a real step forward that provides some sorely needed common ground around reducing the need for abortion," the Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, a liberal religious group, said Tuesday.

"The new language around this is a significant shift for the Democratic Party," Mr. Wallis' group said.

Pro-life organizations Tuesday said they saw little difference in the new wording, although pro-choice activists opposed it.

"They still want abortions on demand, and they want taxpayers to pay for abortions," said David Nammo, executive director of the pro-life Family Research Council's political arm.

The key provision, which the party's presidential nominating convention is expected to ratify in Denver later this month, says: "The Democratic Party also strongly supports a woman's decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal health care, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs."

The 2004 platform was less ecumenical in its outreach: "We strongly support family planning and adoption incentives. Abortion should be safe, legal and rare," it said.

Tony Perkins, Family Research Council president, said Democrats have tripled the words to unequivocally support Roe v. Wade and appear to be trying to loosen the rhetoric rather than reflect newfound values in human life.