While Working In The Clinton Administration, Elena Kagan Claimed President Clinton’s Position On “Elective” Partial-Birth Abortion Was “A Problem” And Worked To Change It
ELENA KAGAN: “I Worked For President Bill Clinton And We Tried To Implement His Policy Views And Objectives.” (Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senate, Confirmation Hearing, 6/29/10)
Kagan Said President Clinton’s Opposition To “Elective” Partial-Birth Abortion Was “A Problem”
MEMO TO PRESIDENT CLINTON: “MR. PRESIDENT: Attached is a memo from Leon, Jack, George and Nancy-Ann Min on the partial birth abortion bill, setting forth four policy options and attaching a proposed letter to Senator Hatch. DOJ believes that only Option 4 is constitutional, while our Counsel’s office believes any of Options 2-4 are constitutionally sound. In essence these are the options:
1. No use of this procedure in pre- or post-viability stage unless the abortion is being performed because the pregnancy itself threatens life or serious adverse health consequences.
2. Same as Option 1 post-viability, but broader use pre-viability — namely, if woman chooses an elective (non-health) abortion, she could choose to use this procedure as long as the procedure (as opposed to other procedures) were necessary to avert risk to life or serious adverse health consequences.” (Memo, KCL – 0089762, Clinton Library, 2/5/96)
PRESIDENT CLINTON: “Leon [Panetta] agree w/ #1.” (President Clinton, Note On Memo, KCL-0089762, Clinton Library, 2/5/96)
ELENA KAGAN: “You’re right – this is a problem. It seems as if he wants Option 1 (which was also Leon’s preference). Call me whenever. Elena.” (Elena Kagan, Note Regarding President’s Decision, KCL – 0089758, Clinton Library, 2/96)
JACK QUINN: “E – HE DOES. JQ.” (Jack Quinn, Note Regarding President’s Decision, KCL – 0089758, Clinton Library, 2/96)
SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Article written by: Tom White
