At the January March for Life Rose Dinner in Washington DC, I was privileged to run into a table occupied by pro-life Democrats. Although the group was certainly a political minority among banquet attendees, they received an enthusiastic round of applause following an introduction by March for Life Founder Nellie Gray. After snapping the photo published above, I enjoyed learning about their organization, Democrats For Life of America (DFLA). Founded in 1999, their primary mission has been to elect pro-life Democrats, support pro-life elected officials, promote a pro-life plank in the Democratic Party platform and achieve legislation that fosters respect for human life.

In a recent press release, the organization solidified its support for the South Dakota bill prohibiting abortion:

Democrats For Life of America (DFLA) commended the South Dakota legislature today for recently approving a bill that will prohibit abortion in their state.

DFLA noted that support from pro-life Democrats was critical to the ultimate passage of the bill.

The legislation would not have passed without the support of pro-life Democrats. There were as many Democrats voting for the bill voting for the bill as Republicans voting against.

“Pro-life Democrats in South Dakota saved the day on this bill. There were just as many Democrats who voted for this legislation as there were Republicans voting against it. So when it comes to protecting the unborn, pro-life Democrats stepped in and gave the voiceless, a voice in South Dakota” said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life.

While the ground breaking legislation passed both chambers of the South Dakota legislature, it was a pro-life Democratic Senator, Julie Bartling, who introduced the legislation in the Senate. On the House side, one-third of House Democrats, including 3 Democratic women, sponsored the House version.

“South Dakota has consistently passed pro-life legislation and this particular law is a culmination of that effort,” State Representative Mary Glenski. “This is a more comprehensive approach.”

In 2005, the South Dakota legislature approved legislation to require doctors provide accurate information about the possible emotional and physical side effects of abortion, including statistics that show there are higher suicide rates among post- abortive women. The law also required women to be informed about the medical risks of both abortion and pregnancy and information regarding the legal and financial responsibilities of the father.

In the most recent vote, on Wednesday, to keep the prohibition on military doctors and hospitals from doing abortions, some 30 pro-life Democrats made up for pro-abortion Republican defections on defeating the amendment. Without their vote, the proposal would have been approved.

• American RTL Elated at Historic Development - May 30, 2008
• 12 Republicans boost Planned Parenthood profits, diss pregnancy support - May 24, 2008
• Arizona Right to Life Condemns Napolitano Vetoes of Abortion Bills - Apr 05, 2008
• A Constitutional Right to a Birthday? - Jan 16, 2008
• Wisconsin Senate Democrat State Health Insurance Plan Equals Taxpayer-Funded Abortions - Aug 01, 2007
• Minority rules - May 03, 2007
• Post-partum depression and post-abortion depression - May 01, 2007
• HR618 - The new Right to Life Bill - Feb 15, 2007