Response to Tom re PWSA

I am happy to agree with Tom that "[g]iven that many programs have some but not total success, making the question one of weighing costs and benefits, the bar ought not to be set too high when the program bears on the question whether women will perceive themselves able to take care of their children, born and unborn."  And, I agree that, assuming there are no concerns about counter-productivity, "pro-life citizens and voters should weigh the benefits of potentially reducing abortions as quite high, justifying substantial social expenditures."  And, with respect to WIC, my point was certainly not to suggest that the qualified criticisms one might reasonably direct at the program warranted opposing the PWSA, but only to note, as a general matter, that pro-life citizens -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- should not abdicate the responsibility of trying to craft policies that actually work well, and efficiently.