Chen Guangcheng, now in U.S., poised to play role in yet another abortion debate
Source: Washington Post
Conservatives are seizing on the high-profile story of Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese activist who recently arrived in the United States, hoping that the spotlight on his human rights work will bolster their efforts to curb abortions domestically and in China.
Antiabortion groups, including National Right to Life and the Susan B. Anthony List, are highlighting Chen’s work exposing forced abortions and sterilizations in China in hopes it will help them with their current priority in the United States, passing legislation banning abortions performed because of a child’s gender. Chen’s plight also has led congressional Republicans to plan hearings this summer on the one-child policy.
Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign is citing Chen’s work in its critique of President Obama’s record on human rights. Particularly, Romney’s campaign officials argue Obama has been weak on the one-child rule, China’s much-publicized population control measure, which has been criticized as an under-recognized human rights abuse.
The political posturing highlights the minefield that awaits Chen, who has remained largely out of the public eye since arriving in the United States this month. China agreed to Chen’s departure after tense, month-long negotiations between the two countries.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/chen-guangcheng-now-in-us-poised-to-play-role-in-yet-another-abortion-debate/2012/05/29/gJQARTuJzU_singlePage.html
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