WASHINGTON – President Bush on Monday told thousands of anti-abortion marchers that his administration is making progress toward fostering a “culture of life” by enacting measures that limit abortion and stem-cell research while expanding the legal definition of life.
Speaking by telephone as the protesters gathered in the biting cold for their annual anti-abortion march from the Ellipse to the Supreme Court, Bush said that while outlawing abortion remains a distant goal, it is one that seems to be moving into view. “The America of our dreams, where every child is welcomed in law – in life, and protected in law may still be some ways away,” Bush said. “But even from the far side of the river … we can see its glimmerings.”
Even as Bush spoke indirectly about the aim of outlawing abortion, the politically volatile nature of the issue seemed to restrain him. Although banning abortion is a top priority of the Christian conservatives who comprise the core of his electoral base, Bush chose to make his remarks via telephone from the presidential retreat at Camp David, rather than address the protesters in person.
Similarly, in his inaugural address last week, Bush did not use the word “abortion,” but made what many abortion foes regarded as a reference to the issue by saying “even the unwanted have worth.”
“I’m not sure he wants to have that battle. … It’s too contentious,” said Shawn Parry-Giles, a University of Maryland communications professor who focuses on presidential rhetoric. “Abortion may not be part of his rhetorical presidency, but it is an issue that he may well go at through his judicial nominees.”
Bush’s comments to protesters came just before the 32nd annual march marking Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision guaranteeing women the right to abortion. A thin majority on the high court has managed to keep the ruling in place, although it has been attacked frequently by abortion foes who call the Roe decision legally specious and morally wrong.
The anniversary of the decision was Saturday.
With Bush now beginning a second term and with four of the nine justices having battled cancer, many abortion opponents are hopeful that he will be able to appoint enough new members to the court to tip the balance when it comes to abortion.
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