Republican Governor (AK); ; nominee for Vice President
Constitution does offer an inherent right to privacy
Q: Do you think there’s an inherent right to privacy in the Constitution?
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.
Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric
Oct 1, 2008
Abortion should be states’ issue, not federal mandate
Q: Why is Roe v. Wade a bad decision?
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.
Source: 2008 CBS News presidential interview with Katie Couric
Oct 1, 2008
While mayor, Wasilla charged rape victims for rape kits
Sarah Palin’s hometown required women to pay for their own rape examinations while she was mayor, a practice her police chief fought to keep as late as 2000.
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.
Source: Jessica Yellin on CNN.com
Sep 22, 2008
Rejected sympathy for Down’s Syndrome son, as gift from God
She is opposed to abortion except to save the life of the mother. When she learned that her infant son would be born with Down’s Syndrome, she said she never considered ending the pregnancy.
When Trig was born in April, she penned a note to loved ones in the voice of “Trig’s creator, Your Heavenly Father,” rejecting sympathy for her son.
Source: Boston Globe, “A valentine to evangelical base”, p. A12
Aug 30, 2008
Opposes embryonic stem cell research
According to an October 2006 profile in the Anchorage Daily News, Palin opposes stem cell research, physician-assisted suicide, and state health benefits for same-sex partners.
Source: Boston Globe, “A valentine to evangelical base”, p. A12
Aug 30, 2008
Every baby is created with a future and potential
Q: Your stand on abortion?
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.
Source: Q&A with Newsmax.com’s Mike Coppock
Aug 29, 2008
Safe Haven bill: allow surrendering newborns without penalty
Governor Palin Signs ‘Safe Haven’ Bill Into Law: Bill allows parents to surrender newborns without prosecution
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.
I am pro-life and I believe that marriage should only be between and man and a woman. I am opposed to any expansion of gambling in Alaska.
Source: Campaign website, www.palinforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Choose life, even if her own daughter were raped
The candidates were pressed on their stances on abortion and were even asked what they would do if their own daughters were raped and became pregnant.
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
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: AP coverage of public TV debate
Nov 3, 2006
If Roe v. Wade got overturned, let people decide what’s next
Q: If Roe v. Wade were overturned and states could once again prohibit abortion, in your view, to what extent should abortion be prohibited in Alaska?
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.
Q: Do you support or oppose the use of public funds for abortion (e.g., paying for abortion, promoting abortion, subsidizing organizations that provide or refer for abortion)?
A: I oppose the use of public funds for elective abortions.
What about the social issues that Alaskans, especially the party faithful who often decide primary elections, may find important? Here’s what Sarah Palin has to say about abortion.
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.
Source: Anchorage Daily News, “Little play,” by K. Hopkins
Aug 6, 2006
Only exception for abortion is if mother’s life would end
Q: What are your views on abortion?
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.
Source: Eagle Forum 2006 Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire
Jul 31, 2006
