Obama lifts ban on abortion funds

[Monkeytrousers]

Well I never. He is a feminist!

Wow, that video clip is astonishing. They all just say illegal without even pausing for thought. And like you say, they don't have any nasty punishments lined up for the woman at all. It's like she doesn't even feature in the equation at all. Truly chlling. A really eye-opening question and well done to that journalist for asking it.

Way to go Barack!

Honestly, the pro life movement don't value the woman's right at all, don't value her physical and mental wellbeing.

I heart Obama!

He has only been in office for a few days and already he has done some amazing things!

Keep it up Mr President

I was pleased to see this too.

Lets hope it stays like this no matter who becomes president in the future rather than swinging back and forth between Democrat and Republican.

He's been in the job for 5 days but so far I am impressed.

I hadn't even realised there was a ban.

Well done, that President!

I sincerely hope he isn't another Tony Blair though. He came in on a wave or promises and hope and let everyone down (imo)

Well done, Obama!

As for Blair he did do some good things at first and then apparently was taken over by aliens (well it seemed like it). I hope Obama keeps going the way he has started.

i knew i liked obama for more than just his fanciability factor...

Hurrah!

Oh well.

Everything else has been good, I was never going to be chuffed with this kind of thing, so I'll be happy about Guantanamo and be content.

but kay - we you really happy about reproductive health clinics in poor countries losing their funding? As the ban didn't just target "abortion centres" is affected health clinics which even dared to mention abortion! Women in countries already stricken with health problems had reduced access to basic family planning services, antenatal care, contraception etc!

This is great news. Here is a quote from the World Health Organisation if anyone is in doubt: "Every year, about 19?20 million abortions are done by individuals without the requisite skills, or in environments below minimum medical standards, or both. Nearly all unsafe abortions (97%) are in developing countries. An estimated 68 000 women die as a result, and millions more have complications, many permanent." You can look at their report Here

I think it's more that this indicates he'll follow through on the FOCA thing that depresses me FAQ. I'd have prefered this particular law changed the focus of the funding ban, rather than repealed it entirely, but there you go. I'll certainly feel a little better that it does mean more funding for better clinical care in a broader sense.

Go Obama!!

God that man is amazing, hasn't even been in a week yet. Really think he's going to change the world.

Didn't let me down TheresOnly1! So not quite everyone

Fantastic news, the ban had effectively stopped thousands of women having access to any contraceptive. What the anti-choice lobby fail to realise is that by banning abortion you don't stop abortion, you stop safe abortion, mainly for poorest and most vulnerable women, the rich always have more choices. I love Obama

It is wonderful news but I did read this in the article:

"The policy has become a see-saw issue between Republican and Democratic administrations.

Former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, repealed the policy when he took office in 1993 and George W Bush reinstated it in 2001.

The ruling is also known as the Mexico City Policy, because it was first introduced at a UN conference there in 1984 by former Republican President Ronald Reagan. "

So maybe not such a bold move as at first glance.

Hugely impressed about guantanamo though!

Also notrubberandnotaduck thanks for that link