Ted Kennedy's thoughts on abortion in 1971.

"While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized –
the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

"On the question of the individual’s freedom of choice... once life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely by desire.

"I share the confidence of those who feel that America is willing to care for its unwanted as well as wanted children, protecting particularly those who cannot protect themselves. I also share the opinion of those who do not accept abortion as a response to our society’s problems . …

"When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family, and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of conception."

Ted Kennedy