R. Bruce Dold’s column “Illinois politics and abortion” (Op-Ed, Aug. 22) was correct in some respects but missed the mark in many others. He was right in stating abortion is a powerful issue in Illinois. In fact, it is a litmus test for many voters–including myself.
Dold, however, strays from objective reality when he states that abortion rights carry the overwhelming support of women. The recent partial-birth abortion ban passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Jim Edgar was in response to a huge public outcry from both sexes.
Polling data on the subject varies greatly dependent upon how questions are phrased. In a majority of polls, Americans are split roughly 55 percent to 45 percent in favor of abortion rights. But when surveys are more personalized and in depth, the numbers change to favor the pro-life position. Dold, like many others in the mainstream press, advances the false premise that a vast preponderance of Americans are “pro-choice.”
He took the same old liberal approach to abortion in Illinois politics, quoting polls like they were sent from above. The author also equated abortion with women’s rights, which is an insult to many women who have stood firm for equality but are anti-abortion.
The news media have not accepted the fact that Illinois politics has undergone a sea change. Social conservatives are driving the political agenda, with the pro-life position being a major part of that movement. George and Jim Ryan couldn’t be more establishment. Yet, they’re the front-runners for the offices of governor and U.S. Senate, respectively. They should be commended for standing fast to their positions on abortion, while Durbin seemed to change his view solely for political expediency.
Maybe it’s not the Ryans who are out of step, as Mr. Dold intimates, but instead political pundits–like himself–who paint the state as forever politically liberal.
