More than any other contemporary issue, the debate over abortion illustrates the potential for conflict in American society. The fierce and public discourse about abortion leaves our country bitterly divided, with reasonable people weighing in strongly on both sides of the issue. In an era when public apathy has been well chronicled and lamented, the issue of abortion remains highly salient; studies show that almost everyone has a firm belief about abortion. Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that effectively guaranteed the right of women to have abortions, was rendered back in 1973, but the years since have done little to weaken the resolve of those opposed to the procedure. In fact, some historians assert that the Court, in surprising the nation with the Roe decision, polarized both camps and mobilized widespread support for the pro-life movement. Whereas before, the debate could be carried on locally, after Roe, the issue was thrust upon the nation as a whole.

1. LEARN SOME BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE

It would seem that abortion is one issue where little compromise is possible. At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental difference in premises - about when human life begins and where government jurisdiction ends - with the result that even a well-intentioned debate often degenerates into vehement and inflammatory rhetoric. The framing of the argument raises the stakes for both sides. For those who view abortion as tantamount to murder, its continued presence in our society is depraved and intolerable. On the other hand, for those who see abortion as a decision a woman makes about her own body, any government interference is brazenly intrusive and a violation of a woman's right to privacy and autonomy. Without the possibility for a meaningful compromise, abortion is an issue over which reasonable people "agree to disagree" leaving the battle to be fought by the more extreme proponents of both positions. Recently, the tensions have led to violence and confrontation. Most dramatically, a few pro-life extremists have shot abortion doctors in the name of saving the lives of the unborn. More commonly, groups on both sides hold protests and counter-protests outside abortion clinics that often lead to bitter clashes.

The controversy affects the two most influential political parties differently. For the most part, there is a pro-choice consensus among the political base of the Democrats, allowing the party to maintain a consistent platform in affirming a woman's right to have an abortion. Within the Republican Party, the issue has proved far more contentious - many of the more moderate and independent Republicans lean toward a pro-choice position, while the more conservative wing of the party is vehemently pro-life. This divide within the party was made clear by the events of this past year's Republican Presidential primary. In contrast to the pro-life positions of Alan Keyes and Steve Forbes, Governor George W. Bush of Texas and Senator John McCain maintained more moderate and conciliatory stances on abortion. They did not call for the overturn of Roe and they condoned abortion in cases of rape and those where the mother's life is in jeopardy. Although Bush emerged with his party's nomination, he still feels pressure from the right to toughen his stance against abortion. Many on the right have tried to force Bush to make abortion more of an issue in the campaign by promising that he would only appoint Supreme Court Justices who would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The debate over abortion has manifested itself in many ways. Among the most bitter points of contention are whether government funds should be used to pay for abortions for the poor, how far into a woman's term abortion should be permitted, and what type of parental consent should be required for minors.

Although, for now, these issues are largely settled on an individual state-by-state basis, there is mounting pressure for the Supreme Court, Congress, or both to step in and set a consistent national policy on abortion.

We will now look at the specific arguments raised by those on both sides of this issue.