Bob Casey deems abortion debate terminology ‘outdated’ after Dobbs case.

Sen. Bob Casey: Rethinking the Terminology of “Pro-Life Democrat”

Once a self-proclaimed “pro-life Democrat,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) now believes that the term is “antiquated.” In a recent interview, Casey expressed how the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has completely altered the conversation surrounding abortion rights.

“I don’t believe that the terminologies we used before Dobbs make much sense anymore,”

Casey emphasized that the debate now centers around support for or opposition to limitations on abortion. He stated,

“It’s what kind of country you’re going to be: Are we going to be a country that bans abortion? That’s where I think Dobbs, really in so many ways, it was not just the overturning of a 49-year right, but it completely changed the conversation about the way forward, which is to kind of split people into two lanes — you are either going to support banning abortion or not.”

Since the Dobbs ruling in 2022, 20 states across the country have imposed various limits on abortion prior to viability, ranging from absolute bans to an 18-week limitation.

Casey further emphasized the significance of the issue, stating,

“It’s really a basic question. We are either going to be a country that recognizes a right and does not support a ban, or you’re going to go in the direction of states passing and enforcing strict limits, and an entire political party trying to pass some type of national ban.”

Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Casey is vying for reelection in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. With a Democratic governor and two Democratic senators, the state’s political landscape is crucial. Republican David McCormick, who previously ran for Senate in 2022, is considering challenging Casey and has described himself as “staunchly pro-life.”

It is worth noting that Casey’s father, Robert Patrick Casey Sr., was known for his anti-abortion stance in the Democratic Party and famously opposed the Supreme Court’s decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Abortion as a Motivating Issue in Pennsylvania

In the 2022 midterm elections, Pennsylvanians cited abortion as one of their motivating issues, alongside the economy. A 2022 Franklin and Marshall College poll revealed that more than half of the state supported abortion “under certain circumstances,” although the specific circumstances were not specified. Only 37% supported abortion under any circumstances.

As the conversation surrounding abortion rights continues to evolve, Sen. Bob Casey’s shift in perspective reflects the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.

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