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Abortion Policy

If there is any silver lining for Republicans from the Todd Akin imbroglio, no one seems to have found it yet.

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House rejects abortion ban based on sex of fetusupdated: Thu May 31 2012 14:40:00

Congress took up one of the most divisive issues in politics Thursday as the House of Representatives rejected a controversial measure banning abortions based on the sex of a fetus.

Head of abortion rights group to step down after electionupdated: Fri May 11 2012 06:48:00

The president of an influential abortion rights political advocacy group will step down after the upcoming national election, her organization announced Thursday.

Mississippi governor signs bill tightening restrictions on abortion providersupdated: Tue Apr 17 2012 02:19:00

Mississippi's governor has signed into law a bill requiring physicians performing abortions in the state to be a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and to have admitting privileges at an area hospital.

Kirk Cameron on Abortionupdated: Tue Apr 17 2012 02:19:00

Kirk Cameron shares his views on the controversial topic of abortion

Mississippi legislature tightens restrictions on abortion providersupdated: Thu Apr 05 2012 05:25:00

Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that would require any physician performing abortions in the state to be a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and to have admitting privileges at an area hospital.

"Personhood" bill moves forward in VAupdated: Sun Feb 19 2012 16:24:00

A Virginia House bill says life begins at conception. If it becomes law, what happens? CNN's Athena Jones reports.

Virginia's "personhood" bill is latest front in the culture warupdated: Sun Feb 19 2012 16:24:00

In the Virginia House of Delegates, Republican Robert Marshall is a longtime abortion opponent who has tried repeatedly to pass legislation in his state that would give rights to the unborn.

Anti-abortion activists mark Roe v. Wade anniversary with demonstrationupdated: Sun Jan 22 2012 19:03:00

Hundreds of anti-abortion activists gathered in Washington's Lafayette Park on Sunday on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Abortion battle rages in state legislaturesupdated: Fri Apr 15 2011 09:31:00

The battle over a hot-button issue has been raging in state legislatures across the country this year with an unprecedented number of bills aimed at restricting abortions.

More states restrict abortions; group says trend 'unparalleled'updated: Thu Apr 14 2011 07:28:00

As two states imposed the latest rounds of laws against abortion or its providers this week, a new study contends "hostility" toward abortion rights is on the rise in legislatures across the country, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

New fight on abortion rightsupdated: Wed Feb 09 2011 07:54:00

CNN's Dana Bash reports on a new bill that aims to redefine certain abortion rights.

Thai lawmaker proposes abortion law after fetuses foundupdated: Tue Nov 23 2010 05:49:00

A legislator from Thailand's ruling party said Tuesday that he is proposing a new abortion law there after police found thousands of illegally aborted fetuses in a Buddhist temple.

Fetuses found at Thai templeupdated: Tue Nov 23 2010 05:49:00

Hundreds of fetuses are found at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, following complaints over a foul odor there.

Kagan: Past writings on abortion could be flashpoint issueupdated: Sun Jun 27 2010 11:21:00

First trimester abortions are legal and constitutionally protected, thanks to the 1973 Roe v. Wade high court ruling. But the current court has proven deeply divided whenever the issue arises, so it is possible a single change in the court's makeup could affect future cases dealing with access to the procedure, and the government's power to regulate it.

Blasted by left and right, Stupak appears safe back homeupdated: Thu Mar 25 2010 15:11:00

Inside the Washington beltway, Rep. Bart Stupak is taking heat from the left and right.

Abortion law spotlights horrorsupdated: Wed Mar 24 2010 07:02:00

Confusion over Kenya's current abortion law forces some women to the back streets. CNN's David McKenzie reports.

Abortion issue seen as key to health care reform passageupdated: Mon Mar 22 2010 18:03:00

The abortion issue nearly derailed House Democrats from passing the landmark health care reform bill Sunday night.

Scott Roeder's historyupdated: Wed Jan 27 2010 15:20:00

In Session takes a look into Scott Roeder's family life, opposition of government and abortion, and mental state.

Jury hears 911 call made after abortion provider's shootingupdated: Wed Jan 27 2010 15:20:00

The trial of a man who confessed to killing a Kansas doctor who performed late-term abortions began Friday, with the prosecution telling jurors they will hear from witnesses to the shooting.

Roe v. Wade anniversary marked by vigils, demonstrationsupdated: Fri Jan 22 2010 16:51:00

Abortion rights supporters and opponents hit the streets of the nation's capital Friday to mark the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court ruling establishing a woman's constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy.

Senate rejects abortion amendment in health care billupdated: Wed Dec 09 2009 08:38:00

The Senate on Tuesday rejected an amendment to tighten restrictions on federal funding for abortion in the sweeping health care bill it is debating.

Kennedy asked to skip Communionupdated: Mon Nov 23 2009 22:31:00

Rep. Patrick Kennedy is being asked not to take Communion for his stance on abortion. CNN's Mary Snow reports.

Religious abortion rights backers push to change health care billupdated: Mon Nov 16 2009 13:14:00

The problematic intersection of health care and abortion politics will be highlighted again Monday as religious abortion rights supporters demand changes to reform legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives.

Nicaragua abortion ban 'cruel and inhuman disgrace'updated: Wed Jul 29 2009 07:41:00

Nicaragua's total ban on abortion is a "cruel, inhuman disgrace" that's led to the rise in maternal deaths, human rights organization Amnesty International has said.

Senate panel delays vote on Sotomayor nominationupdated: Tue Jul 21 2009 12:26:00

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday delayed its confirmation vote for Judge Sonia Sotomayor by one week, acceding to GOP demands for more time to examine the U.S. Supreme Court nominee's record.

Notre Dame speech reactionsupdated: Mon May 18 2009 08:21:00

CNN's Susan Candiotti reports on student reaction to President Obama's commencement address at the University of Notre Dame.

Obama calls for 'common ground' on abortion at Notre Dameupdated: Mon May 18 2009 08:21:00

President Obama delved into the abortion debate in a controversial Notre Dame commencement address Sunday, calling for a search for common ground on one of the most divisive issues in American politics.

Obama picks Sebelius for HHSupdated: Tue Mar 03 2009 10:30:00

President Obama nominates Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary.

Will Sebelius be a bipartisan force for Obama?updated: Tue Mar 03 2009 10:30:00

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' experience working with both Democrats and Republicans in her home state could be an asset to President Obama as he embarks on an effort at bipartisanship in reforming health care.

Sebelius tapped for HHSupdated: Mon Mar 02 2009 19:11:00

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius accepted President Obama's nomination for Health and Human Services secretary.

Abortion, not resume, could dominate Sebelius confirmationupdated: Mon Mar 02 2009 19:11:00

The congressional showdown over Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' nomination to President Obama's Cabinet may focus less on her qualifications than on the issue of abortion, analysts said.

Amid protests, Obama backs 'right to choose' on Roe anniversaryupdated: Thu Jan 22 2009 22:48:00

President Obama affirmed his support for a woman's "right to choose" on Thursday, the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that led to the legalization of abortion, as thousands of anti-abortion activists descended on the National Mall to challenge his position.

Sources: Obama may quickly reverse abortion policyupdated: Mon Jan 19 2009 19:42:00

President-elect Barack Obama is considering issuing an executive order to reverse a controversial Bush administration abortion policy in his first week in office, three Democratic sources said Monday.

Time.com: Abortion Ban Returns to South Dakota Ballotupdated: Sat Oct 18 2008 18:00:00

Voters on Nov. 4 will decide another sweeping but less restrictive ballot measure that would probably send a legal challenge of Roe v. Wade to the U.S. Supreme Court

Palin heightens rhetoric on abortionupdated: Sat Oct 11 2008 17:23:00

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin charged into the culture wars Saturday in Pennsylvania, painting Sen. Barack Obama as a radical on abortion rights.

Palin's commitment to lifeupdated: Sat Oct 11 2008 17:23:00

Gov. Sarah Palin says that every innocent life does matter and everyone belongs in the circle of protection

Time.com: America Without Roe v. Wadeupdated: Thu Sep 25 2008 20:00:00

A weighty legal tome intended for libraries provides the best roadmap to the state-by-state battles that could ensue if the landmark abortion ruling is overturned

Time.com: Does Biden Have a Catholic Problem?updated: Sat Sep 13 2008 16:00:00

The attempts by Obama's running mate to justify his pro-choice abortion views have prompted criticism from the Catholic bishops. Will this be John Kerry redux?

Minnesota governor told he isn't McCain's VP pick, sources sayupdated: Fri Aug 29 2008 10:10:00

Sen. John McCain's campaign has told Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty he will not be the GOP vice presidential nominee in November, sources told CNN on Friday.

Palin: I won't be VP this timeupdated: Fri Aug 29 2008 10:10:00

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says at some point she'd like to work on a national level, but vice president is a long shot.

Time.com: Mexico Court Upholds Legal Abortionupdated: Thu Aug 28 2008 20:50:00

Mexico's Supreme Court upheld the capital's abortion law Thursday, setting a precedent for the rest of the country that could inspire other Latin American cities

McCain settled on VP pick, sources sayupdated: Thu Aug 28 2008 16:08:00

Sen. John McCain has decided on his running mate and will inform the person Thursday night, sources close to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said.

AC360: Strategy Sessionupdated: Thu Aug 21 2008 16:27:00

AC360 guests discuss the possibility of Sen. John McCain choosing Joe Lieberman as his vice-president.

McCain, Lieberman coziness irks Dems, conservativesupdated: Thu Aug 21 2008 16:27:00

Conservatives and Democrats rarely agree, but the decision to have Sen. Joe Lieberman speak at the Republican National Convention has put both groups on edge.

Time.com: Obama and McCain's Test of Faithupdated: Fri Aug 15 2008 11:00:00

When the candidates get together to talk religion with pastor Rick Warren, they'll both be trying to answer skepticism from key blocs of religious voters

Time.com: Will Pro-Choice Women Back McCain?updated: Mon Jun 23 2008 17:30:00

Activists contend that most women have only a fuzzy sense of his views on abortion. And that's just the way the GOP wants it

35 years after Roe: A legacy of law and moralityupdated: Tue Jan 22 2008 20:32:00

Thirty-five years since Roe v. Wade, and little, it seems, has changed.

What role will abortion play?updated: Tue Jan 22 2008 20:32:00

Roe v. Wade turns 35, but the debate is still hot. CNN's Jill Dougherty examines the issue's role in the 2008 election.

Thompson launches first negative ad amid GOP street fightupdated: Thu Nov 29 2007 12:12:00

Fred Thompson aired the first negative television ad in the 2008 Republican presidential campaign race, using the CNN/YouTube debate Wednesday to deliver a double broadside against Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee.

Will GOP voters accept Giuliani's evolution on abortion?updated: Tue Nov 27 2007 02:42:00

It was 1993 and Kelli Conlin remembers her excitement as a member of Mayor-elect Rudy Giuliani's transition team.

Giuliani to conservatives: I'm with you on judgesupdated: Fri Nov 16 2007 19:17:00

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani Friday assured conservatives he will nominate Supreme Court justices they would find acceptable.

Anti-abortion group: Thompson best candidate to beat Giulianiupdated: Tue Nov 13 2007 21:38:00

The National Right to Life Committee, a key anti-abortion group, endorsed Fred Thompson for president Tuesday, saying the former senator was the best candidate to beat Republican front-runner Rudy Giuliani.

A pro-life boost for Thompsonupdated: Tue Nov 13 2007 21:38:00

CNN's Dana Bash reports on a prominent pro-life group's endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson.

Excerpt: O'Connor led the court on abortion updated: Wed Oct 03 2007 08:49:00

When it came to abortion rights, even at the start of the 1990s, the Rehnquist Court was in fact the O'Connor Court.

Time.com: Abortion Under Siege in Latin America updated: Thu Aug 09 2007 12:05:00

Though leftist parties hold power in countries like Bolivia, pro-choice activists are finding themselves on the defensive

McCain camp challenges Romney's anti-abortion stanceupdated: Wed Jun 13 2007 14:45:00

Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign issued a stinging attack on GOP presidential rival Mitt Romney's stance on abortion Wednesday.

Romney's wife donated to Planned Parenthood in 1994updated: Wed May 09 2007 20:10:00

Ann Romney, the wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, wrote a $150 check to Planned Parenthood in 1994, a Romney spokesman told CNN Wednesday.

Giuliani donations to Planned Parenthood surfaceupdated: Tue May 08 2007 20:03:00

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his former wife donated money to Planned Parenthood, an abortion provider, old tax records show.

Justices uphold ban on abortion procedureupdated: Wed Apr 18 2007 10:18:00

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a law that banned a type of late-term abortion, a ruling that could portend enormous social, legal and political implications for the divisive issue.

Giuliani: Ignore mistakes in my personal lifeupdated: Wed Apr 04 2007 20:47:00

Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that voters should focus on his record rather than on a "rocky" personal life that includes three marriages and an estrangement from his only son.

Schneider: Can a blue-state Republican win the '08 nod?updated: Mon Feb 12 2007 15:18:00

On Tuesday, Mitt Romney becomes the first of the three leading Republicans to declare he's officially running for president.

Justices hear intense arguments on abortion law updated: Wed Nov 08 2006 11:06:00

The graphic details of a disputed abortion procedure filled the Supreme Court on Wednesday as justices voiced concern with a federal ban on that operation.

Moral issues: Key datesupdated: Wed Sep 27 2006 09:43:00

Some key dates surrounding moral issues:

Justices accept another abortion caseupdated: Mon Jun 19 2006 13:35:00

The Supreme Court has accepted a second case testing the constitutionality of a federal law banning a specific, controversial late-term abortion procedure critics call "partial birth" abortion.

South Dakota bans most abortionsupdated: Mon Mar 06 2006 14:45:00

South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds signed a bill Monday that bans nearly all abortions in the state, legislation in direct conflict with the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973.

Justices tackle late-term abortion issueupdated: Tue Feb 21 2006 10:49:00

The Supreme Court wasted little time jumping back into the contentious abortion issue, agreeing Tuesday to review the constitutionality of a federal law banning a controversial late-term procedure critics call "partial birth" abortion.

Poll: Alito should sit on high courtupdated: Mon Jan 23 2006 15:55:00

A majority of Americans said the Senate should confirm federal appellate judge Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court, with just 30 percent opposing his confirmation, according to a poll released Monday.

Democrats grill Supreme Court nomineeupdated: Wed Jan 11 2006 07:23:00

Emotions ran high Wednesday as the Senate Judiciary Committee continued to question Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, and the top Democrat cited concern over what he called "inconsistencies" in the judge's testimony.

On the record: Alito's answersupdated: Tue Jan 10 2006 09:30:00

Senators on the Judiciary Committee began questioning Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Tuesday. Click on a topic for excerpts of his answers on key issues.

Alito: 'Open mind' on abortion rightsupdated: Tue Jan 10 2006 06:44:00

Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito walked a careful line on abortion rights and other topics on Tuesday, drawing expressions of frustration from some Democrats and praise from Republicans.

Specter: Alito said he will respect abortion precedentsupdated: Fri Dec 02 2005 14:29:00

Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito had a private meeting with the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday as he sought to reassure lawmakers that he would respect legal precedent on abortion rights and put his personal views aside.

Abortion returns to high court's docketupdated: Tue Nov 29 2005 10:35:00

The U.S. Supreme Court takes on two high-profile abortion cases this week, refocusing attention on one of the court's biggest judicial and social conflicts.

Poll: Americans back abortion limits, oppose banupdated: Sun Nov 27 2005 20:07:00

Roughly two-thirds of the people questioned in a recent poll on abortion supported parental and spousal notification but opposed a constitutional amendment to ban the practice altogether.

Alito vs. Michelmanupdated: Mon Nov 07 2005 07:48:00

The abortion lobby faces an uphill battle to prevent a pro-life justice from replacing a pro-choice justice on the Supreme Court. That explains why abortion rights activist Kate Michelman cited her personal history to try to generate emotion against the nomination of federal appellate Judge Samuel Alito. The problem is that the example she cited is inappropriate and inapplicable.

More controversy over Miersupdated: Tue Oct 18 2005 02:18:00

As the White House renewed its attempts to rally backing for Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers, her views -- or non-views -- on a key privacy case appeared to ignite more controversy.

Specter, White House at odds over Miers' viewsupdated: Tue Oct 18 2005 01:59:00

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter said Monday that Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers told him in a private meeting that she believed the 1965 case of Griswold vs. Connecticut -- a landmark ruling establishing the right to privacy -- was "rightly decided."

Abortion rights group pulls anti-Roberts adupdated: Thu Aug 11 2005 22:06:00

NARAL Pro-Choice America said late Thursday it was pulling a controversial advertisement in which the abortion rights group accused Supreme Court nominee John Roberts of "supporting violent fringe groups and a convicted bomber."

Roberts on the charm offensiveupdated: Thu Jul 21 2005 20:53:00

Supreme Court nominee John Roberts spent a second day Thursday visiting senators on Capitol Hill, where the contentiousness many expected to see over the first high court confirmation in 11 years was nowhere in sight.

Scope of abortion rights up for grabsupdated: Wed Jul 13 2005 22:14:00

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week ruled invalid a federal ban on a type of late-term abortion. But this development -- significant as it is -- may be nothing compared with what will occur soon.

The mother of all political battles beginsupdated: Fri Jul 01 2005 19:55:00

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court sets up the mother of all political battles. Not to mention the political Play of the Week.

Abortion rights groups gear up for battle over Courtupdated: Fri Jul 01 2005 18:47:00

Abortion rights groups jumped into action Friday immediately after Sandra Day O'Connor's resignation, saying her loss from the Supreme Court's bench puts women's reproductive rights in jeopardy and urging President Bush to choose a moderate justice.

Tough fight expected over O'Connor's successorupdated: Fri Jul 01 2005 12:40:00

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's decision to retire unleashed a bipartisan wave of praise Friday on Capitol Hill that quickly gave way to jostling over her potential successor and the future of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Roemer lashes out in DNC chairman raceupdated: Sun Jan 16 2005 14:57:00

The campaign for Democratic chairman turned contentious over the weekend when Tim Roemer lashed out at criticism of his views on abortion and accused opponents of negative campaigning.

Specter: 'I'm pro-choice ... But I don't make the decisions'updated: Mon Nov 08 2004 16:45:00

Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, an abortion-rights supporter in line to head the Senate Judiciary Committee, reiterated Monday that he would not hold up President Bush's judicial nominees, even if they oppose abortion rights.

Conservative leader targets Specterupdated: Sun Nov 07 2004 17:21:00

The head of a leading conservative group said Sunday that Sen. Arlen Specter "is a big-time problem" and that his quest to serve as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee "must be derailed."

Hot-button legal issues at stake in electionupdated: Wed Oct 20 2004 14:19:00

The political stakes have made the issue of possible U.S. Supreme Court retirements part of the election-year rhetoric, thanks to aggressive outreach by a number of special-interest groups.

Court rejects motion to overturn Roe v. Wadeupdated: Tue Sep 14 2004 11:55:00

A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court dismissed a motion Tuesday from the original plaintiff in Roe v. Wade to have the landmark 1973 abortion case overturned, a court clerk said.

Judge: Late-term abortion ban unconstitutionalupdated: Thu Aug 26 2004 13:12:00

A U.S. judge Thursday became the second in the nation to rule that a federal ban on a particular type of late-term abortion is unconstitutional.

The likely impact of the presidential election on the Supreme Courtupdated: Wed Jul 07 2004 12:31:00

During the 2000 presidential election, Democratic nominee Al Gore told voters that the choice between his candidacy and that of Republican George W. Bush would likely determine who named the next three justices of the Supreme Court.

Kerry: Bush's Vatican appeal 'inappropriate'updated: Tue Jun 15 2004 17:06:00

President Bush was out of line to ask the Vatican to get U.S. bishops more involved in promoting his conservative social agenda, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Tuesday.

Vatican: Bush wants bishops to back his agendaupdated: Mon Jun 14 2004 19:54:00

President Bush has urged the Vatican to ask U.S. bishops to become more involved in promoting his conservative social agenda, a Vatican official told CNN on Monday.

Mark Shields: Catholic contradictions and politicsupdated: Mon May 31 2004 14:17:00

To his mostly conservative admirers, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pennsylvania, is admired for being candid in speech and rock solid on social issues. To his critics, mostly non-conservatives, Santorum is judged abrasive and too quick to demonize political adversaries.

Vatican cardinal fuels religious dispute updated: Fri Apr 23 2004 12:08:00

Just hours before Sen. John Kerry was scheduled to discuss his support for legalized abortion at a large women's rights rally Friday in Washington, a top Vatican cardinal called on priests to deny communion to Catholic politicians like Kerry who take that stance.

An assault on Roe? updated: Mon Mar 29 2004 12:04:00

The incremental approach seems to be working for foes of abortion.

Papers reveal Roe v. Wade almost overturnedupdated: Thu Mar 04 2004 09:58:00

As lawyers and court watchers have long suspected, the Supreme Court was ready to effectively overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion in 1992, but Justice Anthony M. Kennedy got cold feet, and the vote went the other way.

Remembering Roe: The 31st anniversary of a landmark rulingupdated: Thu Jan 22 2004 13:40:00

Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court opinion whose 31st anniversary falls on January 22, was not yet a decade old when I became pregnant. I was 17, living on my own, and the pregnancy was unwanted.

Fortune: Big Applesauce, the Supreme Court gets an editor, sinful moments in tax policy, and other matters. FLUNKING HARRYupdated: Mon Aug 27 1990 00:01:00

With the country now poised for hearings on a Supreme Court nominee, and for boundless recrimination over the law of abortion, we propose to indulge in a little fantasy previously not allowed out o...

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