The explosive issue of abortion is back in the headlines after President Bush saw two of nominees for the United States Supreme Court confirmed and after the State of South Dakota enacted a sweeping pro-life/ anti-abortion law earlier this month.

While public perception typically aligns the pro-life viewpoint with the Republican Party and pro-choice views with the Democratic Party, each has an organization within its circles that disagrees with the respective party platform on the issue of abortion.

This feature is with former Missouri State Representative Joan Barry, who served four terms in the State House. She represented the 100^th District in the St. Louis area. Ms. Barry is the President of Democrats for Life of Missouri and currently serves as Vice President of Democrats for Life nationally.

To learn more about Democrats for Life, visit www.democratsforlife.org

1. What is the goal of Democrats for Life of Missouri?

Barry: The goal of Democrats for Life of Missouri is to be a consistent voice for the pro-life view within the party at both local and statewide levels. Within the party we seek an open climate of respect and inclusiveness for a diversity of ideas and values that will insure equity and justice for all. Sustained advocacy and promotion of the life affirming public, social and health policies based on time honored Democratic Party principles is a central value of DFLAMO.

2. How inclusive is the Democratic Party of pro-life candidates right now?

Barry: Pro-choice party activists have had a strong hold on our party. They have been a major source of campaign funds and have been successful in dictating policy with their point of view. It has often been difficult for Democratic pro-life candidates, especially in a contested primary, to get support or feel included. Pro-life Democratic candidates who have received help are pro-life incumbents and those candidates living in pro-life leaning areas who are perceived to be highly electable. We are Democrats and love our party but we are aware that we are not the favored children and know that we do not have our rightful place at the table.

3. Considering it's consistent support of abortion rights, why do you feel it is important for the Democratic Party to be inclusive of, and promote, pro-life Democratic candidates?

Barry: I and many other pro-life members became Democrats because of our belief in the philosophy of the party. It is to help the weak and the defenseless, those who cannot help themselves. We believe we should support the life of an individual from conception until natural death. Statistics show that three major voting groups within the party - women, African-Americans and Hispanics believe abortion is manslaughter and support greater restrictions. In addition, 47% of Democrats oppose abortion except in the case of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother (Zogby poll, 2004). Democratic losses at the poles in 2000, 2002, and 2004 show that we must stop the flow of good people from the party because of its extreme position on abortion. When we abandon our principles we lose elections. I am very encouraged by small signs of change. Howard Dean, Chair of the Democratic National Committee has said on "Meet the Press" that "I have long believed that we ought to make a home for pro-life Democrats." Others have also shown a willingness to work out differences and realize our party would better be served by an alliance that would combine both pro-life and pro-choice components.

4. Pro-life activist groups (such as Missouri Right to Life) almost exclusively support Republican candidates currently. In your experience how open are these groups to working with Democrats?

Barry: During my four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, I was endorsed by pro-life activist groups. In 2004, I was honored to be endorsed by the Susan B. Anthony group. This is an organization that backs pro-life women running for Congress. Previously, only Republicans had been endorsed.

5. Some political analysts refer to life issues, like abortion and embryonic stem cell research, as sources of division within the Republican Party. Is there a potential for divisions to occur within the Democratic Party over these same issues and, if so, how would you work with other Democrats who disagree with the pro-life viewpoint?

Barry: Diversity of views is healthy for a political party. It is important however, to respect others views and work on compromise whenever possible. An example of this was when I sponsored the Women's Health Initiative in the Missouri Legislature. A part of that measure called for insurance coverage of contraceptives. Pro-life, pro-choice and insurance representation were brought to the table. It was contentious at first, but working together a consensus was reached and all groups participated in passage of the law.