The problem, as I see it, is that Democrats want "Abortions for everybody!" and Republicans want "No abortions for anybody!". Most Americans seem to want something in the middle, like Europe has--abortion on demand for 15 weeks, and after that only for medical reasons. Also, I think a lot of the "virulence" of the discourse is due to the sheer body horror of an unwanted pregnancy. Something unwelcome is growing in you, like a parasite or tumor, and you can't get rid of it. It can permanently damage your body and maybe kill you. I worked for a colorectal surgeon and you don't want to know the grotesque damage childbirth can do to a lady's nethers. Women who want a baby just cross their fingers and hope for the best.
The problem, as I see it, is that Democrats want "Abortions for everybody!" and Republicans want "No abortions for anybody!". Most Americans seem to want something in the middle, like Europe has--abortion on demand for 15 weeks, and after that only for medical reasons. Also, I think a lot of the "virulence" of the discourse is due to the sheer body horror of an unwanted pregnancy. Something unwelcome is growing in you, like a parasite or tumor, and you can't get rid of it. It can permanently damage your body and maybe kill you. I worked for a colorectal surgeon and you don't want to know the grotesque damage childbirth can do to a lady's nethers. Women who want a baby just cross their fingers and hope for the best.