Sarah Palin on Abortion Republican Governor (AK); ; nominee for Vice President

Use my daughter Bristol as a teaching tool for others

A: Yes. Use me as the example of why you should, even more admittedly. My daughter, of course she is 18 years old, but has really been forced to grow up very quickly now and starting her own family and you know, life has changed so quickly for her. But if we can use this, and if my daughter Bristol can use her story as a kind of teaching tool for others, then so be it. Let us do that.

Constitution does offer an inherent right to privacy

A: I do. Yeah, I do.

Q: The cornerstone of Roe v. Wade.

A: I do. And I believe that individual states can best handle what the people within the different constituencies in the 50 states would like to see their will ushered in an issue like that.

Abortion should be states’ issue, not federal mandate

A: I think it should be a states’ issue not a federal government-mandated, mandating yes or no on such an important issue. I’m, in that sense, a federalist, where I believe that states should have more say in the laws of their lands and individual areas. Now, foundationally, it’s no secret that I’m pro-life that I believe in a culture of life is very important for this country. Personally that’s what I would like to see further embraced by America.

While mayor, Wasilla charged rape victims for rape kits

Former state Rep. Eric Croft, a Democrat, sponsored a state law requiring cities to provide th examinations free of charge to victims. He said the only ongoing resistance he met was from Wasilla, where Palin was mayor from 1996 to 2002. “It was one of those things everyone could agree on except Wasilla,” Croft said. “We couldn’t convince the chief of police to stop charging them.“

Alaska’s Legislature in 2000 banned the practice of charging women for rape exam kits -- which experts said could cost up to $1,000. Some supporters of Palin say they believe she had no knowledge of the practice. But critics call it ”outrageous“ and question Palin’s commitment to helping women who are the victims of violence.

Alaska has the worst record of any state in rape. The rape rate in Alaska is 2.5 times the national average.

Rejected sympathy for Down’s Syndrome son, as gift from God

Opposes embryonic stem cell research

Every baby is created with a future and potential

A: I’m pro-life. I’ll do all I can to see every baby is created with a future and potential. The legislature should do all it can to protect human life.

Safe Haven bill: allow surrendering newborns without penalty

Palin signed House Bill 29 into law today. The “Safe Haven for Infants Act” passed the State House in May and passed the Senate on Jan. 19. The bill allows a parent to safely surrender a newborn child without the threat of prosecution, as long as there is no evidence the infant has been physically injured.

Without penalty, a parent may leave the infant in the physical custody of a peace officer, physician or hospital employee, or a volunteer or employee of a fire station or emergency medical service. “All children deserve to begin their lives in a loving, protective family,” Governor Palin said. “When that fails, it is our job as a state to make sure that children are protected.”

The Commissioner of Health and Social Services said, “Unfortunately, abandonment of infants has occurred in Alaska. It is our hope that the passage of the ‘Safe Haven’ act has ended that forever.”

Adoption is best plan for permanency for foster care kids

• WHEREAS, there is nothing more important to Alaska than the safe growth, development, and nurturance of Alaska’s children. It is our children who will determine the direction of Alaska in future years.
• WHEREAS, Alaska has 847 children living i out-of-home care who cannot return to their birth parents and need the security, encouragement, safety, and cultural continuity that a permanent family can provide.
• WHEREAS, adoption is the plan for permanency for these children. In 2006, 226 children from foster care achieved finalized adoption with families in Alaska.
• WHEREAS, children waiting for adoptive parents and adoptive families require and deserve community and agency support.
• NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as:Adoption Awareness Month in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to become involved in community and state efforts to provide all our children with secure, nurturing, permanent families.

Pro-life

Choose life, even if her own daughter were raped

Palin said she would support abortion only if the mother’s life was in danger. When it came to her daughter, she said, “I would choose life.”

Knowles, responding to the scenario involving his daughter, said he would counsel her and talk to her, but it would be her decision. “I would love her and support her no matter what decision she made,” he said

If Roe v. Wade got overturned, let people decide what’s next

A: Under this hypothetical scenario, it would not be up to the governor to unilaterally ban anything. It would be up to the people of Alaska to discuss and decide how we would like our society to reflect our values.

Opposes use of public funds for abortions

A: I oppose the use of public funds for elective abortions.

Pro-contraception, pro-woman, pro-life

Palin said last month that no woman should have to choose between her career, education and her child. She is pro-contraception and said she’s a member of a pro-woman but anti-abortion group called Feminists for Life. “I believe in the strength and the power of women, and the potential of every human life,” she said.

Only exception for abortion is if mother’s life would end

A: I am pro-life. With the exception of a doctor’s determination that the mother’s life would end if the pregnancy continued. I believe that no matter what mistakes we make as a society, we cannot condone ending another life.