Editor, Times-Union: A recent David Kolbe interview in the Elkhart Truth has reminded me that all pro-life endorsements are not created equal. Democrats for Life has endorsed Mr. Kolbe’s race, but many of Democrats for Life’s goals deal with social issues that don’t include protecting the most defenseless in our society. As stated in the Elkhart Truth article, Mr. Kolbe “doesn’t feel that any legislative changes on abortion are necessary – in fact, he believes some current regulations may be too restrictive.” He goes on to say that focusing on social justice aspects of society will cause people to not think of abortion as an option. I believe many of the social justice issues that Democrats for Life support will do little, if anything, to reduce abortion but will result in more government control. I don’t believe that backing off on the effort to legislate abortion is going to reduce the number of babies being killed. Nor will backing off on legislation protect their mothers who are being negatively impacted emotionally and physically by a money-hungry industry. The Democrats for Life endorsement in District 22 is beginning to remind me of the organization’s endorsement of Joe Donnelly in his senate race. Their endorsement came after pro-life groups opposed Donnelly’s candidacy because of his vote for Obamacare, which included abortion funding and is now forcing Americans to pay for it. Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser stated in 2012, “In 2010, Joe Donnelly (as a congressman) was one of the so-called ‘pro-life’ Democrats who chose party over principal and betrayed unborn children and pro-life taxpayers by voting for Obamacare, the largest expansion of abortion on-demand since Roe.” Indiana Right to Life PAC, which has endorsed Curt Nisly, issues its endorsements based on a candidate’s position on protection of the unborn and their mothers. Indiana Right to Life does not endorse (as Democrats for Life does) based on the candidate’s position on eliminating unfair discrimination, reduction in poverty, and the existence of an effective social safety net that guarantees that all people have access to food, shelter and healthcare. Indiana has experienced a large drop of almost 30 percent in abortions over the past five years partly due to legislation that has been passed in our state to protect both unborn babies and their mothers. With almost 8,000 babies still being aborted each year, now is not the time to back off on legislation. Based on what I have read and heard, Curt Nisly will continue the pro-life gains we have experienced, not slow or stop them. Dave Koontz Winona Lake, via email
