National Journal Gives Obama 33% Completion Rating On Campaign Pledges Related To Abortion Rights

As part of a special report, "Promise Audit: Tracking Obama's Progress on Campaign Promises," National Journal examined President Obama's track record on abortion rights in his first year of office. National Journal gave Obama a 33% completion rating for progress on abortion-rights issues. According to the magazine, much of his reputation on the issue likely will depend on whether and what type of restrictions are placed on abortion coverage under health reform legislation.

If Obama concedes limits on abortion coverage, "[i]t would not be the first time he has bent on reproductive rights issues in the interest of achieving other policy goals," the article states, noting that during the debate on the federal stimulus package last year, Obama and House Democrats agreed to eliminate a proposed family planning provision as part of an effort to draw GOP votes.

The article notes, however, that Obama's presidency "has not been without victories for abortion-rights advocates." Last year, Obama lifted the so-called "Mexico City" policy -- also known as the "global gag rule" -- which banned federal funding to international family planning groups that offer abortion services or information with non-U.S. funds. He also has taken steps to repeal the regulation expanding "conscience clauses" put forward at the end of the Bush administration. In addition, Obama proposed to reduce funding for abstinence-only sex education programs and replace it with a proposal to create a new office to provide evidence-based teenage pregnancy prevention services -- policy changes reflected in the FY 2010 appropriations bill. Obama also raised funding levels for family planning programs and the United Nations Population Fund, and approved the use of city funds for abortion in Washington, D.C. (Poulson, National Journal, 1/11).


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