ARP vs LP: Difference One: Abortion

NOTE: All of the information presented here that relates to the Libertarian Party was derived from the website www.lp.org/platform

The following is an exerpt from the American Rights Party platform regarding abortion:

While we believe that abortion should be an absolute last resort and performed only when there is a medical necessity with a second opinion attached for late term abortions, we also support a woman’s right to choose when or if to terminate a pregnancy. To that end, we further support a pro-active approach to sex education in schools as being the best solution in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Parental involvement in the selection of appropriate educational materials and participation in the process of teaching their children about the many ramifications of sex is fundamental to decreasing risky sexual behavior and the associated health issues that evolve from it.

Now, here is the position of the Libertarian Party:

Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.

In my opinion, this really doesn't go far enough to address the issue, and is perhaps a bit too idealistic. Unfortunately, the "good-faith views" that some people hold are far too extreme for there to be no govenmental involvement. Without intervention, there would likely be no clinics or healthcare facilities for women who want and/or need an abortion. If there were no laws to protect the providers, the people who oppose abortion, some already extremist to the point of murdering doctors and bombing clinics, would face no deterrent to their terrorism. And it is terrorism, let us not forget.

It also fails to address prevention of the behaviors which lead to some abortions, and offers no differentiation between an abortion and a late term abortion which I think is important. While we do agree that it is ultimately the choice of the woman, preventing unwanted pregnancies and providing safeguards for late terminations I believe is essential. While government intervention is not the preferred choice of either platform, it is my opinion that it is necessary so that this vital healthcare issue can continue to be provided. Those who oppose abortion will never alter their view. Without legislation to protect the rights of the individual to have an abortion and the rights of the providers to perform them, they would return to the back alley practioners and risk the lives of both mother and child.