Democrats for Life of America (DFLA) is an advocacy group in the US attempting to reshape the political left, primarily the Democratic Party, into a pro-life position opposing the legality of abortion and, to a lesser exent, capital punishment and euthanasia. The group usually supports traditional Democratic principles on socio-economic issues and foreign policy.

Mission

"Democrats for Life of America exists to foster respect for life, from the beginning of life to natural death. This includes, but is not limited to, opposition to abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia. Democrats for Life of America is one of over 200 member organizations of Consistent Life: an international network for peace, justice and life."—Democrats For Life website

The political combination of pro-life positions and Democratic ideals is attractive to Americans who adhere to the Consistent Life Ethic. The Consistent Life Ethic, a term coined by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Catholic Archbishop of Chicago, advocates the defense of all life from the "womb to the tomb". Proponents of the CLE oppose abortion, capital punishment, and any social injustices that violate the sanctity of life.

In addition to the Consistent Life Ethic, Democrats for Life of America presents a more pragmatic political argument for promoting pro-life Democrats. According to the DFLA, the Democratic Party has suffered in elections from its absolutist pro-choice stance. DFLA points to polls which suggest that the apparent "pro-abortion" policies of the National Party has cost Democratic candidates votes among religious Americans, especially Catholics, Baptists, and Evangelical Christians.

All pro-life Democrats feel that abortion should be illegal under most conditions. However, many of them favor positions that would allow legal abortion under very select circumstances, such as instances in which the mother's life is in danger. The Democrats For Life organization stresses that pro-life and pro-choice Democrats should be able to unite in a common cause to make abortion rare through social programs, despite their differences of opinion on the legality of abortion.

History

In the 1970s, pro-life Democrats formed a substantial portion of the party's membership in the United States Congress and Senate. In the 1980s, however, the influence of pro-lifers in the Democratic Party declined considerably. At the 1992 Democratic National Convention, Governor Robert Casey of Pennsylvania was not allowed to address the delegates because of his pro-life stance. This notable event marked a low-point of the status of pro-lifers in the Democratic Party. In 1999, Democrats for Life of America was founded to coordinate at a national level the efforts of pro-life Democrats. In 2003, the group was denied permission to put a link on the DNC's website. However, following John Kerry's defeat in the 2004 election, some analysts have predicted that pro-life members of the party may restore some of their long-lost influence. DFLA states that the election losses prove that the party must become more flexible on the issues.

Recent Events

After the defeat of Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in the 2004 elections, Senate Democrats selected Harry Reid of Nevada, the party whip, to become to the new leader. Reid, a Mormon, is generally considered to be moderately pro-life. Along with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Reid is now one of the prominent figures in the party. Pro-life Democrats have been encouraged by his elevation.

In January 2005, former Democratic Representative Tim Roemer announced his candidacy to replace outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe. Roemer, a member of the 9-11 Commission, is pro-life. Pro-choice groups lashed out at Roemer, asserting that his opposition to abortion placed him at odds with a majority of Democrats. Roemer was ultimately defeated by Howard Dean in the campaign for the chairmanship, but his candidacy has been seen as a positive sign for pro-life Democrats. Democrats for Life of America strongly supported Roemer, although the organization also acknowledged Howard Dean's attempts to reach out to pro-life Democrats.

Recently, some pro-choice Democrats such as Senator Hillary Clinton have softened their positions on abortion in an attempt to reach out to pro-life voters. Clinton's change of tone might also be a sign of Presidential ambitions.

Opponents

Some pro-life Republicans criticize pro-life Democrats, including the Democrats For Life of America. These conservatives claim that sincere pro-lifers should not support a "pro-abortion" party. They also criticize the Consistent Life Ethic, arguing that the evils of abortion far outweigh any potential evils of capital punishment and other social injustices. However, most leaders in the pro-life movement support any pro-life groups, including Democrats For Life.

Some pro-choice Democrats are critical of Democrats For Life and pro-life figures in the party. They feel that protecting a woman's right to have a legal abortion is a central element of the Democratic Party, and reject any Democrats who hold varying viewpoints on the abortion issue. Emily's List is especially divisive toward pro-life Democrats.

External links

• Democrats For Life Official Website
• Tim Roemer’s Website