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Ashcroft is a former pastor with 25 years of public service, a reputation for integrity and an uncompromising pro-life position. Selected by the National Abortion Rights Action League for their Worst Choice List, he became the focus of their efforts to derail his reelection to the Senate last fall. They were successful, but in a twist of fate, that left him free to join President Bush's cabinet. What frightens the "pro-choice" community so much is that the Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice and has far-reaching powers to decide such matters as who shall be prosecuted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE). The Attorney General also serves as the President's legal advisor and issues opinions on the constitutionality of pending federal legislation that guide congress. According to NARAL, "The anti-choice Congress is likely to press numerous pieces of legislation bearing on women's reproductive freedom and health." They fear that Ashcroft will be willing to "identify as unconstitutional legislation that violates "Roe v. Wade." Attorney General Ashcroft will also argue before the US Supreme Court, where the formal views of the United States are often given great consideration by the Court. Tommy Thompson strikes even more fear into "pro-choicers'" hearts. As Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, he will have direct responsibility for administering the Title X family planning program, which has been so lucrative for Planned Parenthood over the years. Among their concerns is that the Secretary may reestablish the "Gag Rule," prohibiting Title X clinics from counseling or referring for abortion. The Secretary also regulates such areas as stem cell and human embryo research, and oversees the Food and Drug Administration. The Food and Drug Administration is currently considering allowing "emergency contraception" (morning after pill) for sale over the counter, which would allow teenaged girls to circumvent parental notification and consent laws. In addition, the HHS Secretary oversees the Surgeon General, who is charged with protecting and advancing the nation's health by educating the public, advocating effective programs and giving scientifically based health policy advice to the HHS Secretary and the President. The abortion rights people have a number of serious worries on this front. The Surgeon General will certainly be looking into the link of abortion and breast cancer, and the Secretary may be able to use his powers to overturn the FDA's recent approval of RU486. The frenzy of abortion supporters over these two appointments suggests that major victories are on the horizon in the war on America's unborn.
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