Dems' new abortion plank gets cautious OK

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Anti-abortion, pro-Democratic leaders said the party's abortion plank is closer to what U.S. voters want -- a reduction in the number of abortions performed.

The party's platform reaffirms a woman's right to choose and supports family planning and adoption incentives, as well as affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education designed to "reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions," the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday.

"The Democratic Party also strongly supports a woman's decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal healthcare, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs," read the new language, which must be ratified during the Democratic National Convention.

Some religious groups offered qualified support. Chris Korzen, head of Catholics United, called the proposal "a significant step forward."

The Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, the largest network of liberal Christians, told The Washington Post the Democratic Party never explicitly supported a woman's decision to have a child or offered practical support after the decision was made.

"It's an historic step forward," Willis said. "A lot of people are going to find their convictions represented here."