Caucus also favors ERA , Planned Parenthood Women adopt pro - abortion stand

by Molly Mac Courtney and Maggie Brydges Staff Reporters The ND-SMC W omen’s Political Caucus last night adopted platform positions in favor of abortion, family planning, national health care and adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The Caucus positions will be submitted to the Notre Dame Mock Convention for consideration by the presidential candidates as part of the convention platform. Of particular interest to the Caucus were the planks relevant to women. Other issues included national economic policy, busing, gun control and national defense. Caucus members cited medical and constitutional argum ents to support their pro-abortion stand. It resulted from the conclusion that the majority who may oppose abortion should not be able to inhibit the minority who may desire an abortion and whose constitu­ tional rights may include abortion. The decision was also strongly based on a concern for proper medical treatm ent. The pro-family planning plank gained whole-hearted approval by the members of the caucus. Government appropriation for birth control and improved agricultural methods were the main features of the plank. Passage of the ERA also met with majority approval of the Caucus . Equal rights in social, political and economic areas were seen as an inherent part of the am endment. The caucus added the stipulation that women should take full responsibility for participation in the armed forces. The first issue discussed con­ cerned economic growth through shared tax responsibility among military, corporate, and personal sectors. Boards comprised of equal representation would be set up to regulate federal spending. The Caucus unconditionally ac­ cepted the pro-health-care plank of the platform. This advocated the institution of governm ent-support­ ed free clinics run by doctors fulfilling their military service re­ quirem ents. . It also allowed for a national health insurance system and mandatory checkups for ele­ mentary school children. Economic inconsistencies were determined to be the root of the busing problem. The caucus decided equality of school and administration standards should be strictly enforced. The majority affirmed that integration in the schools could prove beneficial. The caucus adopted a platform position in favor of stringent gun control. Provisions included strict registration laws, a three-month (continued on page 7)