Mona is saying what every liberal I know has been saying for decades - if you're truly pro-life, and not just the Cult of the Fetus, then start acting like it by caring for women and children who need kindness, compassion, and help. The problem is everything I can think of that would meaningfully reduce abortion rates - other than a complete ban, obviously - is anathema to the religious right and the GOP base.

* Free contraception? Nah, feels good to slut shame. * Robust, evidence-based sex education? No way! That'll just encourage the little horndogs and make Baby Jesus weep! * More money to Planned Parenthood for prenatal care? Um, Margret Sanger was into eugenics and you support her, so... * Universal healthcare? Go back to Commiestan, commie! * Free daycare? What, I'm going to pay a babysitter because loose women can't live moral lives? * Improve the safety net? That's how it started in Venezuela!

And on and on it goes...

The plain fact is the Republican base and the religious right care far more about control, punishment, and harsh consequences than they do about life. That cruelty has been a major part of their rhetoric for decades. It has momentum. Besides, they *like* it. It's a socially acceptable way to be a loud, obnoxious bully.

Try to imagine a GOP leader standing in front of their supporters and saying "Hey, you know those murderous sluts we've been howling about since the 80s? Well, we maybe overstated things it a bit. They're actually people like you and me and we need to withhold judgement and help them. Also, we changed our minds, and giving money to single mothers isn't socialism anymore. Any questions?"

I mean, I'd love to see it, but...