With the 2008 presidential election rapidly approaching, the race for the White House is one of the most intense races seen in a very long time. Candidates from both parties have yet to officially lock the nomination for their party; however, Senator John McCain is soon expected to lock the Republican nomination while Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are battling each other for the Democratic party nomination.

One of the top issues, as it is in every race, is abortion. Candidates are scrutinized based on their past and current positions regarding the issue and whether or not they are in line with party values. Since the election this year is such an influential one, it is important that every voter knows where each candidate stands on all issues, including abortion. So the question remains, what are the stances of your favorite candidates?

Barack Obama
Supports Roe v. Wade and believes all abortions should be legally available in agreement with it.
Has publicly stated he fears that a ban on abortion would drive women to have unsafe and dangerous illegal abortions performed.
Voted no on a bill that would require parental notification of minors seeking out-of-state abortions.
Voted yes on a bill that would give $100 million to help educate teens about sex and provide contraceptives in hopes of reducing teen pregnancy.
Voted against a bill in 2000 that would ban state funding for abortions.
Voted against banning partial-birth abortions, stating that he trusts women to make their own, sound decisions.

Hillary Clinton
Supports late term abortions only in cases where the life or health of the mother is at risk.
Like her counterpart Obama, Clinton supports funding education to reduce teen pregnancy and teen sex.
Supports parental notification of minors seeking abortions, except in situations where a family is so dysfunctional that a notification would not be suitable.
Has said all her intentions and past votes are in an effort to keep abortions safe, legal, and rare. However, she remains steadfast in a woman's right to choose and has said that being pro-choice means trusting a woman to make the right decision for her and her family.

John McCain
Supports an outright ban on abortion) except in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother is in danger) and adoption as an abortion alternative.
Supports banning the late-term abortion procedure known as partial-birth abortion.
Wants to ban public funding of abortions.
Does not support public funding of organizations that support or carry abortions; McCain has said on record he does not believe "they should advocate abortion with my tax dollars."
Overturn Roe v. Wade, which essentially legalized abortion in the United States.