Letter to the N.C. Democratic Party
Dec. 28, 2004
Barbara Allen, Chairwoman
North Carolina Democratic Party
220 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27603
Dear Mrs. Allen,
“Come and let us reason together.” That is the spirit of this communication. Rather than an opening volley, I hope this letter will be viewed as an invitation to begin a discussion between pro life Democrats and pro choice Democrats.
The time has arrived for the Democratic Party to acknowledge that there are a large group of its members who do not agree with the abortion procedure. We are sincere Democrats who were attracted to
this party because of its concern that justice be equally applied, that opportunity should reach beyond the wealthy and that our earthly home is a treasure to be preserved. The Democratic Party was for years the defender of the powerless and spoke for the voiceless. We believe that ethic should extend to those most powerless and voiceless—unborn children.
For many years the leadership of the Democratic Party has ignored our concerns and as a result many pro life Democrats have departed. After the election losses this past November, Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D, said, “I think that the Democratic Party Nationally is perceived as being out of step with mainstream values. I want our party to do a better job of speaking to matters of faith and family.” (AP, 11/04/04)
Faith and family are important values to many persons living in North Carolina. It is impossible to ask these individuals to separate their vote from their God. They simply are not going to support a political party that asks them to compromise their faith.
Where do we go from here? Is there a common ground for pro life Democrats and pro choice Democrats? Can the party of inclusiveness really include pro life Democrats? Will they? These are the questions I would like to explore with you and the executive committee of our state party. I believe that Pres. Clinton’s pithy observation that “Abortion should be safe, legal, and rare” may provide the doorway. Pro life Democrats and pro choice Democrats can certainly agree that a procedure that many women choose out of desperation should be rare. I believe there are ways that we can reach across the table to make that a reality.
The Democratic Party must make a commitment to reduce and eliminate unnecessary abortions in the United States -- not only by legislative means, but also by intensive efforts to increase the availability of birth control and provide education about birth control, abstinence, adoption and other non-abortion family planning options. Because there are socio-economic factors affecting unwanted pregnancies, especially among the young and the poor, it is not enough to "outlaw" abortion without presenting a real, effective, and compassionate program to help women avoid or cope with unwanted pregnancies by some means other than abortion.
I agree with David Bowman of Democrats for Life of America who said, “Democrats have long been tireless champions of social justice. That ours is now viewed as the "amoral" or "secular" party, completely out of touch with core values of family and faith (no matter which faith), is simply not acceptable.”
I don’t pretend to have all the answers but this I know: With our country drowning in debt, foreign policy on dry dock, and social security threatened, America needs the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party needs its pro life voices.
Most respectfully,
Eva L. Ritchey, Coordinator
NC Democrats for Life of America
What's New!
NCDFL Bumpersticker—Show your pride as a North Carolina Pro-Life Democrat. Our new NCPLD bumpersticker is now available. We are requesting $10.00 for one as a means of raising funds to take our message of life across North Carolina. Additional stickers can be bought for $5 each. This price includes all mailing charges. Send your checks/money orders to North Carolina Pro Life Democrats, 1928 Brevard Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791. They are beautiful and durable.
Legislative Alert
NC Pro-Life Democrats support HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act
We ask that every pro-life Democrat please contact your representative. For more information:
Contact your representativeLifeNews: North Carolina Needs Unborn Victims Law...
Please call the speaker of the NC House, Joe Hackney, at (919) 733-3451 and the President Pro-Tempore of the NC Senate, Marc Basnight at (919) 733 6854 to ask them to allow the citizens of our state the opportunity to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate. The money raised by the sale of the plate would help fund crisis pregnancy centers.
Upcoming Events
Event: Raleigh Right to Life Breakfast and March
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009
Time: TBD
Place: Raleigh, NC
Event: 36th Annual March for Life
Date: Thursday, Janurary 22, 2009
Time: TBD
Place: Washington, DC
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats is just one chapter in a large collective of pro-life Democrats.
We are proud affiliates with the national Democrats for Life effort. Find out more about the nationwide effort by going to democratsforlife.org.