Thomas Daschle: “few issues divide our country more markedly than the issue of abortion. This debate is a difficult one, and I commend…”

“few issues divide our country more markedly than the issue of abortion. This debate is a difficult one, and I commend those on both sides of the issue who have given their time on the floor to express their very deeply held views on this matter. While the debate has had some unfortunate low points, it has also had some very high ones. In particular, I commend those on the Democratic side Senators Boxer, Murray, Durbin, Harkin, and Feinstein--who have helped manage the floor this week. Each of them has worked diligently to ensure these difficult issues were given the honest, constructive attention they deserve. I am personally opposed to abortion, and I oppose Federal funding of abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or medical necessity. Far too many abortions are performed in this country, and I want to do everything reasonable to discourage abortion. That is why I support efforts to facilitate and promote adoption as an alternative to abortion, and that is why I support voluntary family planning, including improved access to contraception and research on improved contraceptive options for both men and women. Every abortion is a tragedy. But I recognize that there are extraordinary medical circumstances that make abortion necessary to save the mother's life or prevent grave harm to her health.”