President Obama Affirms Support for Abortion Rights

February 6, 2013 — In a video message during NARAL Pro-Choice America's annual dinner on Tuesday, President Obama affirmed his support for reproductive rights and the organization, Politico reports.

"Tonight we celebrate the historic Roe v. Wade decision handed down 40 years ago, but we also gather to recommit ourselves to the decision's guiding principle: that women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies and their health care," Obama said.

He added, "We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to protecting women's access to safe, affordable health care, and her right to reproductive freedom because we know that we are better off as a nation when women are treated fairly and equally in every aspect of life."

The event also welcomed new NARAL President Ilyse Hogue, who is replacing Nancy Keenan. Obama thanked Keenan, whom he called "a friend and counselor," and said he looks forward to continuing to work with NARAL (Smith, Politico, 2/5).

Keynote Address

Former Obama deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter was the keynote speaker at the event. Cutter said that conservatives "misread their mandate after the 2010 elections" and "thought that 2012 would mean an even better year for that extreme agenda." She added that they "nominated Senate candidates who didn't understand that rape actually can cause pregnancy."

Cutter also noted new legislation (HR 217) co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) would block funding to Planned Parenthood. "[I]f their own failed vice-presidential nominee is still trying to roll back the clock, you tell me, did they really learn the less[on] of the 2012 election?" she asked (Sonmez, "Post Politics," Washington Post, 2/5).