Supreme Court, Bush, and Abortion.

One of the priviledges and responsiblities of being the president is being able to appoint Justices to the Supereme Court. With almost all current justices over the age of 65 and many in frail health, it is almost certain the there would be a vacant position in the next few years. Whoever wins the election this November would have to appoint at least one Justice.

Judicial selection is critical. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the consitution, and therefore have the power to decide the consitutionality of rights afforded to us. One of rights in grave danger is a woman's right to choose. Given the fact that president supports parental notification for teenage women and signed 2003's Partial-Birth Abortion Ban legislation, it is likely to say that he would select someone who would not support legalized abortion. When asked at the third presidential debate if he would like Row V. Wade to be overturned, his answer was that of ambivalence, citing that he does not have a "litmus test" in selecting a Judicial candidate.

It scares me to even think that a woman's right to choose may be taken away. Prior to Row V. Wade, women underwent horrible experiences. Because abortion was illegal, women went to "backroom abortion" where they were exposed to unsanitary and unhealhty environments and mde them vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Abortions were performed by unqualified individuals. Some women even terminated their pregancy themselves using anything that be found at home such as hangers, screw drivers, and the like. Some were sexually abuse by those they paid to do the procedure and were threatened not to tell anyone. Many died. But many also lived to tell the horrible situations they were in. Do we really want to go back to this?

To hear the voices of women and be witness to their suffering before Row V. Wade, I suggest this book.. The Worst of Times.