Romney Claims Abortion Ban Exceptions, Party Disagrees

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Republican Mitt Romney says he is in favor of abortion in cases of rape, incest and the health and life of the mother.

The presidential candidate’s addition of the health of the mother is certain to raise questions about Romney’s position among conservatives. Health can be broadly defined and, in fact, running mate Paul Ryan has challenged the health exception as a major loophole.

Romney commented in an interview Monday with CBS News. The network released Romney’s comments before its evening broadcast.

Romney’s position on abortion rights has evolved. When he ran for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, he backed abortion rights. As a presidential candidate, he has opposed abortion rights and says the Supreme Court should reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

The stance is more liberal than the one the Republican Party adopted last week, which would allow no exceptions, including in case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. His choice for vice president, Paul Ryan, supports banning abortion with exception and said last week that Romney’s current position, which reverses his earlier pro-choice stance, is a “step in the right direction.”

The Jackson Free Press contributed to this story.