The Center for American Progress, a liberal think-tank located in Washington DC, has published a new report examining the policies of Republican presidential candidate John McCain and their effects on women. The report–whose immediate context are recent media articles about McCain’s efforts to target women voters–explores both his proposed policies as well as his voting record as a long time Republican Senator.
Some highlights from the report:
- McCain opposes efforts to ensure that women get paid equal wages for equal work. Women make 77 cents for every dollar men earn, adding up to hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of dollars over the course of a career and retirement. But McCain recently skipped a vote on a critical bill needed to advance women’s right to equal pay because he thought “it would lead to more lawsuits”; he told a 14 year-old girl who asked about it, “I don’t believe that this would do anything to help the rights of women, except maybe help trial lawyers and others in that profession.”
- McCain supports a Constitutional Amendment banning abortion. On “Meet the Press” in 2000, McCain repeatedly told host Tim Russert that he supported a Constitutional ban on all abortions.
- McCain thinks Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Sen. McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign website states that he “believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned.”
- McCain supported limits on access to contraceptives. McCain supported limits on access to contraceptives. In 2003, McCain opposed legislation to expand access to emergency contraceptives. And in 1994, he voted for an amendment put forward by former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) to prohibit distribution of condoms, contraceptives, or drugs financed by federal aid without parental consent. In 2003, McCain opposed legislation to expand access to emergency contraceptives. And in 1994, he voted for an amendment put forward by former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) to prohibit distribution of condoms, contraceptives, or drugs financed by federal aid without parental consent.
