WASHINGTON, Jan 19, 2001 (LSN.ca) – In a stunning disappointment to U.S. pro-lifers, Laura Bush, wife of President-Elect George Bush was quoted on Friday saying of the Roe v Wade court decision, “No, I don’t think it should be overturned.” Her comments came in response to a question on NBC’s “Today.” There was also some dismay about the comments of Attorney-General nominee John Ashcroft, during the very hostile grilling he has been receiving from the Senate Judiciary Committee and pro-abortion leaders.
Ashcroft stated he would not seek to overturn Roe v Wade and would uphold and enforce current laws in the US favouring “access to abortion” such as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Gary Bauer, a right-to-life leader and 2000 presidential candidate, told the New York Post that Ashcroft’s remarks were “troubling” and would upset the “millions” of right-to-lifers who “worked very hard” for Bush’s election.
However, Jim Sedlak of American Life League told LifeSite that although such comments would disqualify candidates for President or for Senator, in the context of the position of Attorney General, the comments are understandable since the position is specifically geared to the enforcement of existing law. Sedlak told LifeSite that Ashcroft is a solid pro-lifer and will be one of only two solid pro-lifers in the Bush Administration alongside Vice-President-Elect Dick Cheney.
See the New York Post coverage at: https://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/20481.htm