THE DEBATE CONTINUES – AT 10:45 A.M. ET:  There is probably no more contentious issue in America than abortion.  The debate between pro-choice and pro-life continues today, and is raging, with some clear gains by the pro-life side in recent years.

Some of the debate centers on the prominence of Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest provider of abortions.  From Reuters: 

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anti-abortion groups have called demonstrations at more than 200 Planned Parenthood locations throughout the United States on Saturday to urge Congress and President Donald Trump to strip the women's health provider of federal funding.

Planned Parenthood supporters in turn have organized 150 counter-demonstrations outside politicians' offices and government buildings.

Anti-abortion activists have said they were energized by the election of Republican Trump, who selected their long-time ally Mike Pence as vice president and nominated conservative jurist Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court.

On Jan. 27, tens of thousands converged on Washington for the 44th March for Life, where Pence became the most senior government official to speak in person at the annual anti-abortion rally, organizers said.

"We have the wind in our sails. The election was a real benchmark. Pro-life voters were really a key constituency and the Trump administration has taken note," said Eric Scheidler, executive director of Pro-Life Action League, one of the main backers of Saturday's demonstrations.

In Washington, demonstrators will meet at the Supreme Court and march to a Planned Parenthood location. Other demonstrations have been called in 45 states in cities large and small.

COMMENT:  I can see no definitive resolution of these issues.  The subject is too contentious, and both sides have at times shown intolerance.  Both sides also have powerful constituencies.  It may be an issue that fades in time as fewer and fewer women have abortions or have need for them.  That may be the best solution, if not a perfect one.  Even if the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, that would simply send the issue of "abortion rights" back to the states, where many states would continue them, and other states would restrict them.

February 11,  2017