How do you work for the common good on an issue like abortion?

A growing movement is searching for “common ground” solutions which move beyond the culture wars. For a recent example, check out Rev. Joel Hunter’s question at the Sojourners presidential candidates' forum and Sen. Hillary Clinton’s response:

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an initiative that aims to reduce the number of abortions in this country without further limiting the legal availability of the procedure.

The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Tim Ryan (D-OH), provides more funding for pregnancy prevention programs as well as for social support programs that help women lacking in financial and social resources feel better equipped to raise an unexpected child.

"It is our moral obligation to address those issues with which all side agree," said Ryan. "Whether you are pro-life like me or pro-choice like my friend Congresswoman DeLauro, the common ground we must build upon is our serious desire to reduce the rate of abortions."

Prevention and support initiatives have been proven to reduce abortions and unintended pregnancies, and it is a big step forward for those working for practical solutions to this thorny issue.

A big question mark is the reaction of self-identified “pro-life” groups such as Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council. These powerful religious right groups make a big deal of (and a lot of money from) their anti-abortion stance, but so far, as even they will admit, their efforts haven’t actually reduced abortion rates.

Will the religious right reach out and take this opportunity to collaborate across ideological lines for something they truly believe in, or will they continue their current course of advocacy, which so far has done a lot more for conservative politicians than it has for fetuses?