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Abortion, Interest Groups And Policy Development

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Kasey Lewis
Current Controversies Final Paper

Abortion, Interest Groups and Policy Development
I. INTRODUCTION In contemporary America it can be argued that nothing is more contentious and controversial of an issue than abortion. From the vehement pro-life movement to the impassioned pro-choice coalition, this policy issue is one that has become increasingly important in our society. This debate has raised important questions regarding the value of human life, at what stage of development does a fetus have it’s constitutionally ensured rights take hold over that of the mother and at what stage can a state start regulating abortions. Interest groups have become integral in the development of policies that give women the right to have an abortion and some that restrict access to the procedure. Legislators on both the federal and state level have been struggling for power over this issue and have been fighting over who has jurisdiction over this area of public policy. The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of abortion access while state governments have attempted to mandate transvaginal ultrasounds and place safety restrictions that cause clinics to close and the debate has raised questions about the moral foundations of America and it’s citizens. Behind the scenes of all of this chaos none of these entities are fully in control because interest groups are motivating them to behave in ways they may not even realize. The abortion debate has gone so much further than just

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