The first of three abortion-related questions asks what, if any, should be the punishment for those who seek or provide abortions if it becomes illegal. It's actually a decent question, and hard for most of these guys to answer.
Ron Paul says in all his years as an obstetrician, he "never saw a time when a medically necessary abortion had to be done." He also says that the person who pays a penalty for illegal abortions "should be the person who commits the crime, which is the abortion doctor." And the penalty should be up to the states."
Thompson deflects the question and talks about appointing Supreme Court justices, overturning Roe v. Wade, and sending the question back to the states.
The second question asks whether, if Congress passes a ban on abortion, would they sign it. Giuliani says he would not sign it, but would hope that "Roe against Wade" (as he refers to it) would be overturned, returning the question to the states. He also said he "doesn't think it should be criminialized, except partial birth and late term abortions." Yeah, so much for "pro-choice" Giuliani.
--Kate Sheppard
