Candidate Responses
Favors abortion rights
"I believe in the freedom of women to make their own decisions about the most personal and significant matters affecting their lives," Clinton said in a statement to NARAL Pro-Choice America. "That is why I strongly support Roe v. Wade. I also believe that abortion should be safe, legal and rare."
Would let states decide. Opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Clinton has come out against gay marriage, but does support civil unions. However, she has said that if New York passed legislation allowing gay marriage, she would not oppose it.
Supports same-sex civil unions.
In an interview with ABC, Clinton said, "I put forth my position, which is in favor of civil unions." However, Clinton also has said she does not favor gay marriage, but would not oppose it politically.
Favors cap on troop levels and starting withdrawal in three months, with U.S. out by 2009. Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008
"A comprehensive solution to our immigration crisis must include strengthening our borders," she said in a statement in mid-2007.
Voted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions, including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines.
Says the U.S. should negotiate directly with Iran, and also with Syria
Supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research.
Opposed 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and opposed extending tax cuts through 2010. Would let some of the tax cuts for higher income households expire.
Clinton has introduced the American Health Choices plan, which would require all Americans to sign up for health care. There are three key options: people could keep their existing plan; choose plans that are similar to those offered federal employees; or enroll in a plan similar to Medicare. Her plan would forbid insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more for pre-existing conditions. All large employers would be required to insure their workers or contribute to a federal pool. Smaller businesses could get tax credits for providing health coverage. Clinton said her plan could be paid for by eliminating the president’s tax cuts for those making more than $250,000.
