Ron Paul & Roe v Wade

Ron Paul is a hot topic these days for daily internet users. He calls himself a "constitutionalist" - in other words - his political policies adhere to a strict interpretation of the constitution. Foremost in these policies is that the federal government has no jurisdiction over abortion.

Ron Paul is a hot topic these days for daily internet users. He calls himself a “constitutionalist” – in other words – his political policies adhere to a strict interpretation of the constitution. Foremost in these policies is that the federal government has no jurisdiction over abortion.

Using this as a backdrop, Ron Paul asserts that he’s a pro life presidential candidate. From this perspective, it’s important to understand what a Ron Paul presidency might mean to Roe v. Wade. Reading The Partial Birth Abortion Ban (Reference One) – strong language about Roe v. Wade offers insight:

Ron Paul Speaking:

“Although the real problem lies within the hearts and minds of the people,the legal problems of protecting life stem from the ill-advised Roe v. Wade ruling, a ruling that constitutionally should never have occurred.”

Ron Paul is basically saying that Roe v. Wade was unconstitutional – that Roe v. Wade is not legal, and should have never happened. Additional insight into Ron Paul’s views of Roe v. Wade and abortion can be seen in Federalizing Social Policy (Reference Two):

Ron Paul Speaking:

“Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided, but not because the Supreme Court presumed to legalize abortion rather than ban it. Roe was wrongly decided because abortion simply is not a constitutional issue. There is not a word in the text of that document, nor in any of its amendments, that conceivably addresses abortion. There is no serious argument based on the text of the Constitution itself that a federal "right to abortion" exists. The federalization of abortion law is based not on constitutional principles, but rather on a social and political construct created out of thin air by the Roe court.”

Here, Ron Paul again asserts that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided because it’s not a “constitutional issue”. This leads us to an important question – who does have jurisdiction over abortion? Who should decide if abortion is wrong or right? Who determines if pro life, or pro choice voters are supported? Additional examination of the same document reveals more insight:

Ron Paul Speaking:

“Under the 9th and 10th amendments, all authority over matters not specifically addressed in the Constitution remains with state legislatures. Therefore the federal government has no authority whatsoever to involve itself in the abortion issue. So while Roe v. Wade is invalid, a federal law banning abortion across all 50 states would be equally invalid.”

With little doubt, Ron Paul is asserting that the 50 states would individually determine the issue of abortion. Thus, one would assume that Ron Paul would not take a solid pro life (anti-abortion) stance – nor would he take a pro choice (pro abortion) stance either.

What does this mean for Roe v. Wade under a Ron Paul presidency? United States Presidents have only indirect power of such issues which are reflected in the United States Supreme Court Justices he appoints. In a Ron Paul presidency, it could be assumed he would appoint “constitutionalists” such as himself – building further support for overturning Roe v. Wade within the High Court.

E Lawrence Welch

References:

Reference One
The Partial Birth Abortion Ban,
By Ron Paul,
Link - The Partial Birth Abortion Ban

Reference Two
Federalizing Social Policy,
By Ron Paul,
Link - Federalizing Social Policy

Other Views on Ron Paul:

Ron Paul Related News:

Ron Paul External Links:

Edward Welch received his formal education in the area of Finance & Accounting from Oklahoma State University. Since that time, he’s added numerous areas of expertise to his repertoire - including politics, marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), online retail, general business, computer programming, international trade, marriage, love and more. You can visit his political blog - And Another Thing or take a look at his new blog is Financial Pizza. He also owns and operates an online retail holster store - Pyle Mountain Holsters.

Copyright © 2007 Edward Welch

Comments

I understand your motives in saying that abortion in the case of rape is ok, but I don't think that's a very consistent view. If you believe that human life is sacred, or at the very least in the interest of the law to protect -which it is- than how can taking that life make things better? Rape is an awful thing, and why should the child have to suffer? Where's his/her choice in the matter? At what point does the possibility of more pain of the mother in bringing the child to term outweigh the gravity of killing an innocent child? It never does. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Ok so Dr. Paul is saying the state should handle this. Whats wrong with that. If its what the constitution says its what the constitution says. It is what it is so let it be. He is right it should of never been brought to that level. The state should of handled the situation. I personally believe you should be able to abort in certain instances. Rape, is one of them. If you think about it. why bring in a life if its gonna have a terrible life because the mother is single or an addict or what ever it may be. Whats gonna end up happening is that the child is gonna sustain traumatic psychological effects especially if the mother is in a situation where she may not be able to take care of herself or another being for that matter Children should have to be put through that. Neither should the parents. If i can't support myself hardly how am I gonna support another mouth to feed. They should have tests to see if your fit for parenthood for crying out loud.

Add comment

(required)

(required, but won't be shown to visitors)

(optional)

(required)