I think what we have here is a spectacular lack of leadership on this issue, as well as on many others. Is it to much to ask politicians of both parties to lead rather than pander to their constituents? Regarding abortion, is it too unreasonable to view the abortion rate as a barometer on the availability of reproductive health services. I think driving down the abortion rate should be seen as a legitimate goal, and one that also improves outcomes for women who decide to have children through better access to prenatal and neonatal care. The real obstacle here are people who believe that life begins at fertilization, even before conception—hence the objection to IUDs and similar family planning methods.