Controversial Issues - Obama vs. McCain

Abortion
Barack Obama is Pro Choice. He strongly supports women's rights and decisions for their own bodies. "A women's ability to decide how many children and when, without interference from the government, is one of the most fundamental rights we possess. It is not just an issue of choice, but equality and opportunity for all women." He is a strong supporter of the Roe v. Wade decision.

John McCain is Pro Life. He is anti-abortion, and believes that they should only be legal when the pregnancy is proven to be from rape, incest, or when the mother's life is endangered. He does not support the Roe v. Wade decision, and believes that it should be overturned. When asked what would happen if his own daughter got pregnant, he states, "The final decision would be made by Meghan with our advice and counsel", but then later states it would be a "family decision, not her decision".

Marijuana
Barack Obama believes has admitted to using marijuana in his past. He is open to marijuana being used in a medicinal way, to relieve pain and suffering. He wants to stop medical marijuana raids in 12 states that allow medical marijuana use. He believes there is no difference between morphine and marijuana, as long as it gives relief from pain.

John McCain opposes to legalizing marijuana. He opposes to the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and supports the federal raids. He believes that marijuana is a "gateway" drug, and leads to use of harder drugs. He also supports the death penalty for drug "kingpins".

Same-sex Marriage
Barack Obama believes in gay equality. He is a supporter of civil unions, but not same-sex marriage. He does believe that the issue should be decided within states.

John McCain supports same sex civil unions, but not marriage. He also believes this issue should be decided within states.