US Senate Candidate George Allen Distorts Abortion Position

In a recent debate, as well as in his ad campaign, U.S. Senate candidate George Allen (R-VA) called his support of abortion restrictions “reasonable moderation.” During the October 22 debate, in an effort to dilute the influence of the abortion issue in the Senate race where he faces pro-choice Senator Charles Robb (D-VA), Allen told the audience that, while he supports restrictions like parental notification requirements, he also supports a woman’s right to choose abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Allen’s statements were in direct conflict with his record as former governor of Virginia, a state NARAL has highlighted as a prime battle-ground over abortion rights. NARAL placed Allen on its “Worst Choice List.” While in office, Allen vetoed a bill to protect women and doctors from anti-choice attacks and intimidation at reproductive health clinics. While in the U.S. House of Representatives, he voted to ban privately-funded abortions for U.S. military servicewomen. As governor, he issued an executive order prohibiting abortion coverage in state employees’ health insurance except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment, or severe fetal abnormality.

Media Resources: Washington Post - October 23, 2000 and NARAL, “The Worst Choice List” and Candidate Records on Choice

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