The "Obama voted to allow the murder of new born babies" lie - as addressed in the Chicago Tribune.

[mzmolly]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-obama-abortion_webaug20,0,1260617.story">Chicago Tribune

The dispute stems from Obama's opposition to bills that were intended to bolster protections for fetuses that sometimes survive briefly outside the womb after an unusual abortion procedure. Obama's harshest critics say he supports infanticide, with conservative commentator Pat Buchanan writing last week that Obama "voted to let doctors and nurses allow these tiny human beings die of neglect."

Obama's campaign responded Tuesday that Illinois abortion law has long protected such infants, and that the attacks on him are based on "distortions and lies."

"The suggestion that Obama—the proud father of two little girls—and others who opposed these bills supported infanticide is deeply offensive and insulting," said campaign spokesman Justin DeJong.

A Republican spokeswoman was untruthful tonight on MNSBC when she claimed that Obama "voted to allow babies to die." I fear that this smear will be the latest viral email B.S. The Tribune article addresses the issue thoroughly.

Please keep this kicked. Thanks! :hi:

[gaiilonfong]

1. After she left OLbermann called her out on it

She is that horrible witch from New Mexico

[mzmolly]

2. I was glad he did so, and surprised that Matthews did not do so?

It's beyond the pale.

[mzmolly]

3. .

:kick:

[democracy1st]

6. thanks for posting

[democracy1st]

4. K & R

[Stand and Fight]

5. Kicked and recommended. n/t

[Hope And Change]

7. K & R!

On the other hand: Supporters of abortion rights say Obama was right to oppose the 2003 bill, even though it had the same wording as the federal measure. The wording could have had a different effect at the state level, they say, by undermining Illinois' legal precedents on abortion.

Once more, the key is the 1975 Illinois abortion law, which contains language that's similar but not identical to the later bill. The 2003 bill could have affected the way courts interpret the 1975 law, which Planned Parenthood and the Illinois State Medical Society contended could have far-reaching implications.

The groups opposed the entire group of "born alive" bills that were introduced starting in 2001, saying they could ultimately threaten the physician-patient relationship and increase civil liability for doctors.

In 2005, Illinois lawmakers inserted an extra provision asserting that the law would not affect "existing federal or state law regarding abortion." The measure passed without opposition from Planned Parenthood and with the support of groups opposed to abortion.

Footnote: This isn't the first time Obama's record on "born-alive" legislation has raised questions. His opponent in the 2004 U.S. Senate race, Alan Keyes, said Obama's support for "infanticide" was the main reason he came from Maryland to challenge Obama for the seat. Keyes lost to Obama in a landslide.