On the Issues
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REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS The issue of reproductive choice is of great concern to many of Senator Levin’s constituents and to Senator Levin. While people of good will often have difficulty finding common ground on this issue, Senator Levin respects the deeply held beliefs of those on both sides of the debate. In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court held that the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution "necessarily includes the right of a woman to decide whether or not to terminate a pregnancy" during the first trimester. However, the Court held that states may regulate or even prohibit post-viability abortions, providing the ban contains an exception to protect the life and health of the woman. While Senator Levin is personally opposed to abortions (unless they are performed to save the life or health of the mother, or are performed as a result of rape or incest), he supports a public policy which permits women to decide whether or not to have an abortion within the guidelines set by Roe v. Wade. Until there is a greater consensus among medical, scientific and religious leaders about when human life begins, he is unwilling to support legislation that would overturn the Roe v. Wade decision and weaken a woman's right to make an individual decision on abortion. Senator Levin is a cosponsor of the Prevention First Act (S.21) which was introduced on January 4, 2007. This bill stresses the importance of medically accurate education; access to emergency contraception, especially in cases of rape; and teenage pregnancy prevention. Senator Levin believes that the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases is to provide education on the benefits of both abstinence and contraception. |
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Medicare
Congress has a unique opportunity to improve and modernize the Medicare program. more >
Prescription Drugs
While prescription drugs hold the promise of healthier lives for the American people, the high cost of those drugs puts them out of the reach of too many. more >
Reproductive Rights
While people of good will often have difficulty finding common ground on the issue of reproductive rights, Senator Levin respects the deeply held beliefs of those on both sides of the debate. more >
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