As you likely already know, the new Democratic platform (which continues to support abortion) has been expanded to include a number of woman-centered solutions. (See relevant excerpt in bold below.) Resources and support are, of course, at the heart of FFL's mission.

We have just learned that the final draft of the Republican National Committee platform includes Feminists for Life's trademark line, "Women deserve better than abortion." (Also highlighted below.)

It is unprecedented to see the platforms of both major U.S. political parties incorporate key pieces of FFL's unique message.

FFL members represent the political as well as religious spectrum, and we remain both nonpartisan and nonsectarian. We recognize that abortion is a reflection that our society has failed to meet the needs of women and that too often women have settled for less. Feminists for Life is dedicated to systematically eliminating the root causes that drive women to abortion primarily lack of practical resources and support through holistic, woman-centered solutions. Women deserve better than abortion.

As each party takes steps to acknowledge and meet the needs of women, Feminists for Life is prepared to work with our elected representatives on behalf of girls and women who deserve far better than abortion. Many members of Congress have already stepped forward to support the FFL-inspired bill, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act.

We invite all parties, all public servants, and all people to join us on the bridge of woman-centered solutions.

Because women deserve better,

Serrin M. Foster
President

Excerpt from the 2008 Democratic National Committee platform:

The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v Wade and a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to affordable family planning services and comprehensive age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed choices and live healthy lives. We also recognize that such health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. 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 Democratic Party plank:

Because we believe in the privacy and equality of women, we stand proudly for a woman's right to choose, consistent with Roe v. Wade, and regardless of her ability to pay. We stand firmly against Republican efforts to undermine that right. At the same time, we strongly support family planning and adoption incentives. Abortion should be safe, legal, and rare.

The final draft of the 2008 Republican National Committee platform reads:

Faithful to the first guarantee of the Declaration of Independence, we assert the inherent dignity and sanctity of all human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution, and we endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children. We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion and will not fund organizations which advocate it. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity and dignity of innocent human life.

We have made progress. The Supreme Court has upheld prohibitions against the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion. States are now permitted to extend health-care coverage to children before birth. And the Born Alive Infants Protection Act has become law; this law ensures that infants who are born alive during an abortion receive all treatment and care that is provided to all newborn infants and are not neglected and left to die. We must protect girls from exploitation and statutory rape through a parental notification requirement. We all have a moral obligation to assist, not to penalize, women struggling with the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. At its core, abortion is a fundamental assault on the sanctity of innocent human life. Women deserve better than abortion. Every effort should be made to work with women considering abortion to enable and empower them to choose life. We salute those who provide them alternatives, including pregnancy care centers, and we take pride in the tremendous increase in adoptions that has followed Republican legislative initiatives.