Obama says both sides must bridge abortion divide
Obama acknowledged that “no matter how much we want to fudge it ... the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable.” But he still implored the University of Notre Dame’s graduating class and all in the US to stop “reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words. It’s a way of life that always has been the Notre Dame tradition.”
One of the noisiest controversies of his young presidency flared after Obama, who supports abortion rights but says the procedure should be rare, was invited to speak at the school and receive an honorary degree.
“I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away,” the president said.
The Rev John Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, introduced Obama and praised the president for not being “someone who stops talking to those who disagree with him.” Jenkins said too little attention has been paid to Obama’s decision to speak at an institution that opposes his abortion policy.
Ahead of Obama’s address, at least 27 people were arrested on trespassing charges. They included Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as “Roe” in the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision that legalised abortion. She now opposes abortion and joined more than 300 anti-abortion demonstrators at the school’s front gate.
More than half held signs, some declaring “Shame on Notre Dame” and “Stop Abortion Now” to express their anger over Notre Dame’s invitation to Obama.
Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as he began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled: “Stop killing our children.”
The graduates responded by chanting “Yes we can,” the slogan that became synonymous with Obama’s presidential campaign. Obama seem unfazed, saying Americans must be able to deal with things that make them “uncomfortable.”
He said he favoured “a sensible conscience clause” that would give anti-abortion health care providers the right to refuse to perform the procedure.
Obama’s appearance appeared additionally complicated by fresh polls that show Americans’ attitudes on the issue have shifted toward the anti-abortion position.
A Gallup survey released Friday found that 51% of those questioned call themselves “pro-life” on the issue of abortion and 42% “pro-choice”. This is the first time a majority of US adults have identified themselves as “pro-life” since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.
