News

By John Jalsevac

September 15, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In the last installment of Charles Gibson’s highly anticipated, in-depth interviews with Gov. Sarah Palin, Gibson quizzed the Republican VP-nominee on her views on a host of social issues, including abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, and homosexuality.

Throughout the interview Palin made good on her solidly pro-life credentials, including reiterating her opposition to abortion even in the “hard cases” of rape and incest.

Gibson began the foray into the hotly debated realm of social issues by questioning Palin on her views on the Roe v. Wade decision.

“Roe v. Wade, do you think it should be reversed?” he asked.

Palin responded, “I think it should and I think that states should be able to decide that issue. I am pro-life…I think that a culture of life is best for America.” She then said that she believes that, despite her immovable views on abortion, there is room for “reaching out” to “those who are on the other side of the issue.” 

“I know that we can all agree on the need for and the desire for fewer abortions in America and greater support for adoption, for other alternatives that women can and should be empowered to embrace, to allow that culture of life.”

Gibson pressed Palin on abortion, observing that McCain has in the past expressed his support for abortion in cases of rape and incest. 

“Do you believe in [abortion] only in the case where the life of the mother is in danger?” asked Gibson.

“That is my personal opinion.”

Gibson then highlighted another area on which McCain and Palin disagree. “Embryonic stem cell research. John McCain has been supportive of it.”

Palin responded, “My personal opinion is we should not create human life, create an embryo and then destroy it for research, if there are other options out there. And thankfully, again, not only are there other options, but we’re getting closer and closer to finding a tremendous amount more of options, like, as I mentioned, the adult stem cell research.”

On the question of embryonic stem cell research, however, Palin suggested that her personal opinion may not translate into concrete policy in a McCain-Palin administration.  “When you’re running for office, your life is an open book and you do owe it to Americans to talk about your personal opinion,” she said, “which may end up being different than what the policy in an administration would be.”

Finally, Gibson asked Palin whether homosexuality is inborn or learned.

“Oh, I don’t – I don’t know,” she replied, “but I’m not one to judge and, you know. I’m from a family and from a community with many, many members of many diverse backgrounds and I’m not going to judge someone on whether they believe that homosexuality is a choice or genetic. I’m not going to judge them.”