•
•
assault weapons ban.
In 2004, Romney signed permanent state-level ban on assault weapons that was mirrored after federal•
belonged to his son.
In January 2006, Romney said he owned a gun – then two days later admitted he did not and the gun•
before launching his presidential campaign.
Romney bragged about being member of the NRA but later revealed he didn’t join until August 2006, just•
his life, later clarifying remarks by claiming he has hunted “small varmints … more than two times.”
Romney recently said he’s “been a hunter pretty much all my life” but later admitted he hunted only twice in•
In 2006 press conference, Romney claimed he had been hunting “many times” after returning from quail hunt in Georgia.ABORTION
During His Political Career, Romney Has Been Pro-Choice, Then Not Pro-Choice, Then Pro-Choice Again,
Now Claims To Be Pro-Life
Romney Forcefully Positioned Himself As Pro-Choice In 1994 Senate Race, Saying “You Will Not See Me
Wavering On That.”
revealed that a close relative died of an illegal abortion years ago and said, ‘Since that time, my mother and my
family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on
others on that matter, and you will not see me wavering on that.’”
Globe
“When Kennedy called him ‘multiple choice,’ Romney demanded an extra rebuttal. He(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston, 3/2/06)•
“I joined my mother in 1970 when she said she was in favor of legalizing abortion.”
A ‘Pretender’ On Abortion Rights,”
In 1994, Romney Claimed He Supported Legalizing Abortion Before Roe v. Wade Decision. ROMNEY:(Scot Lehigh, “Romney LabeledThe Boston Globe, 10/12/94)•
since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that
since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.”
Revolving World,”
Romney, During 1994 Debate: “I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’sThe Boston Globe, 3/2/06)As Romney Considered Run For Office In Utah In 2002, He Told Local Paper He Did Not “Wish To Be
Labeled Pro-Choice.”
When it was rumored he might seek political office there, he wrote this in a letter to the editor of the Salt Lake City
Tribune: ‘I do not wish to be labeled prochoice.’”
“After Romney lost the Senate race, he decamped to Utah to run the Winter Olympics.(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)•
“This Is The Place, But Politics May Lead Romneys Elsewhere,”
Romney: “When I am asked if I am pro-choice or pro-life, I say I refuse to accept either label.” (Glen Warchol,The Salt Lake Tribune, 2/14/99)Announcing For Massachusetts Governor In 2002, Romney Reaffirmed His Pro-Choice Position.
Governor of the Commonwealth, I will protect the right of a woman to choose under the law of the country and the
laws of the Commonwealth.”
“[A]s(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)•
honoring my word in that regard. I will not change any provisions of Massachusetts’ pro-choice laws.”
Romney-O’Brien Gubernatorial Debate, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, 10/29/02)
Romney: “I will preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose, and am devoted and dedicated to(2002•
“Romney On Campaign Trail,”
“Romney … Said He Was Pro-Choice When He Ran For Governor Of Massachusetts.” (Michael Goot,Foster’s Daily Democrat, 4/27/07)15
In 2002, Romney Offered His Completed NARAL Questionnaire, Filled Out With “Mostly Abortion-Rights
Positions,” To The Media Even Before Returning It To NARAL.
confusion about his stance on abortion rights by answering a Mass National Abortion and Reproductive Rights
Action League questionnaire with mostly abortion-rights positions. He offered the questionnaire to the press even
before he returned it to MassNARAL…”
4/10/02)
“Yesterday, Romney also aimed to head off(Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Pushes Education At Campaign Stop,” The Boston Globe,Romney Now Insists He Has Always Been Personally Pro-Life.
me, the role of government (on that issue) was what was uncertain.”
“I’ve always been personally pro-life. … For(AnnMarie Timmins, “Romney Tells Voters: Ask Away,”Concord Monitor
, 4/4/07)Former Adviser Mike Murphy, On Romney’s Pro-Life Position:
pro-choice friendly.”
“He’s been a pro-life Mormon faking it as a(John J. Miller, “Matinee Mitt,” The National Review, 12/14/05, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 4/30/07)Romney Says He Changed His Mind On Abortion After 2004 Meeting On Stem Cell Research With Harvard
Doctor, Who Later Said Romney Mischaracterized Their Conversation
Romney Says He “Simply Changed His Mind” On Abortion One Day In November 2004.
Romney says he simply changed his mind. He recalls that it happened in a single revelatory moment, during a
Nov. 9, 2004, meeting with an embryonic-stem-cell researcher who said he didn’t believe therapeutic cloning
presented a moral issue because the embryos were destroyed at 14 days. ‘It hit me very hard that we had so
cheapened the value of human life in a Roe v. Wade environment that it was important to stand for the dignity of
human life,’ Romney says.”
“On abortion,(Karen Tumulty, “What Romney Believes,” Time, 5/21/07)Romney’s “Epiphany” Came After Meeting Harvard Stem Cell Researcher – Romney Claimed The Doctor
Said Scientists “Kill” Embryos After 14 Days.
he met with a scientist from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Romney claimed in a June 2006 interview that the
researcher had told him: ‘Look, you don’t have to think about this stem cell research as a moral issue, because
we kill the embryos after 14 days.’ Romney went on to say that both he and his chief of staff had an epiphany,
recognizing that embryonic stem cell research cheapened respect for human life.”
The Right,”
“Romney says he changed his mind in November 2004, when(Scott Helman, “Romney’s Journey ToThe Boston Globe, 12/17/06)The Doctor, Harvard’s Douglas Melton, Claimed Romney “Mischaracterized My Position.”
Romney has mischaracterized my position; we didn’t discuss killing or anything related to it. … I explained my
work to him, told him about my deeply held respect for life, and explained that my work focuses on improving the
lives of those suffering from debilitating diseases.”
12/17/06)
“Governor(Scott Helman, “Romney’s Journey To The Right,” The Boston Globe,•
professional vocabulary, a vocabulary used to discuss finding cures for diseases in order to save lives.”
Spokesman For Harvard Stem Cell Institute: “The words ‘kill’ and ‘killing’ are not in Dr. Melton’s(Jennifer Rubin, “Mitt Romney’s Conversion,”
The Weekly Standard, 2/5/07)National Review
of how he came to change his view on abortion – through the issue of stem-cell research – isn’t very compelling
and he would probably be better off not talking about it at all. Fairly or not, people aren’t going to believe it.”
Lowry, “The Romney Speech,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog,
’s Rich Lowry: Romney’s Conversion Story “Isn’t Very Compelling.” “[Romney’s] account(Richhttp://corner.nationalreview.com, 1/29/07)Romney Ran For Senate And Governor “Promising To Protect Abortion Rights, But Disavowed That View
As He Began Preparations For A Presidential Run.”
major flashpoint in the Republican presidential campaign. He ran for Senate in 1994 and governor in 2002
promising to protect abortion rights, but disavowed that view as he began preparations for a presidential run.”
Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?”
“Romney’s shifting positions on abortion have become a(RickABC News, 6/14/07)Six Months After His Abortion “Epiphany,” Romney Still Said He Was “Absolutely Committed” To
Upholding Abortion Laws In Massachusetts
Romney: “When I First Ran For Office ... I Concluded, Wrongly, That I Would Support The Law As It Was
In Place ... And So I Publicly Acknowledged My Error, And Joined With You To Promote The Sanctity Of
Human Life.”
was in place – effectively, a pro-choice position. ... And I was wrong. And so I publicly acknowledged my error,
and joined with you to promote the sanctity of human life. And you know that my words were matched with my
actions.”
“As you know, when I first ran for office ... I concluded, wrongly, that I would support the law as it(Mitt Romney, Remarks To Massachusetts Citizens For Life Mother’s Day Dinner, Agawam, MA, 5/10/07)16
•
that forms a great deal of my sense of responsibility to the people of this nation and the of the world.”
News’ “The Big Story,” 4/3/07)
Romney: “I believe every speck of human life is a divine speck that comes from God and as a result of that,(Fox
In Massachusetts.
to laws relating to abortion and choice and so far I’ve been able to successfully do that and my personal
philosophical views about this issue is not something that I think would do anything other than distract from what I
think is a more critical agenda ...”
In May 2005, Romney Still Claimed He Was “Absolutely Committed” To Maintaining Pro-Choice LawsROMNEY: “I am absolutely committed to my promise to maintain the status quo with regards(Mitt Romney, Press Conference, 5/27/05)Republican Strategist Keith Appell Said Romney Airing Pro-Choice Views After Abortion “Epiphany”
Begs Question: “How Many Epiphanies Have You Had?”
his old, ‘pro-choice’ views after November 2004, it raises an important question for Republicans, Appell said. ‘It’s
part of Romney’s challenge: How many epiphanies have you had?’ he said.”
Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?”
“If he was still taking actions that appear to reflect(Rick Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-ABC News, 6/14/07)Before His Recent Conversion, Romney Had Long Pro-Choice Public Record
March 2005: Romney Considered Abortion-Rights Supporter By Pro-Life Groups – Aide Claimed His
Position Had Not Changed.
hasn’t detected any change in Romney stance. The group considers Romney to be an abortion-rights supporter,
as do national antiabortion groups such as the Family Research Council. … [Romney aide Eric] Fehrnstrom said
the governor’s position has not changed on either sex education or abortion.”
Omitted From Proclamation,”
“Marie Sturgis, legislative director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, said she(Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. WadeThe Boston Globe, 3/25/05)Romney In 2002 NARAL Questionnaire:
deeply personal one … Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the
government’s.”
“I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose. This choice is a(Stephanie Ebbert, “Clarity Sought On Romney’s Abortion Stance,” The Boston Globe, 7/3/05)•
the country and the laws of the Commonwealth.”
Romney: “[A]s Governor of the Commonwealth, I will protect the right of a woman to choose under the law of(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)•
woman’s right to choose. … It’s an issue that’s important. I’ve established my view very clearly.”
Gubernatorial Candidates Debate, Boston, MA, 10/29/02)
Romney: “I do not take the position of a pro-life candidate. I’m in favor of preserving and protecting a(Mitt Romney,“On A Questionnaire Planned Parenthood Gave To The Gubernatorial Candidates In 2002, Romney
Answered ‘Yes’ To The Question, ‘Do You Support The Substance Of The Supreme Court Decision In Roe
V. Wade?’”
(Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted From Proclamation,” The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)In 2002, “Romney Also Professed Support For State Funding Of Abortion Services For Low-Income
Women, [Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Erin] Rowland Said.”
Proclamation,”
(Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted FromThe Boston Globe, 3/25/05)•
would keep in place.”
Romney in 2002: “This state does provide Medicaid funding for abortions, and that’s something which I(“Changing Statements On The Right To Choose,” The Boston Globe, 324/02)In 1999, Romney Said “We Have Choice. Whether You Are Pro Or Against Abortion Is Irrelevant.”
ROMNEY: “We have choice. Whether you are pro or against abortion is irrelevant. The question is what is the
choice. I am in favor of the women of America having the opportunity to make the right choice by providing
support and care for those who want to take the child to full term and put it up for adoption. And providing
information and counseling to people trying to make that decision.”
Romneys Elsewhere,”
(Glen Warchol, “This Is The Place, But Politics May LeadThe Salt Lake Tribune, 2/14/99)In 1994, Romney Claimed He Had Been Pro-Choice For Nearly 25 Years.
safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US
Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support
it.”
“I believe that abortion should be(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)17
•
Been Consistent In His Pro-Choice Position.”
consultant Charles] Manning responded, ‘I think the reason they don’t trust Ted Kennedy is that he flipflopped
on abortion. He was pro-life before Roe v. Wade and now he’s changed. Mitt has always been
consistent in his pro-choice position and that’s why the group respects him.’”
Backs Romney,”
Romney Campaign Accused Ted Kennedy Of Flip-Flopping On Abortion, Saying “Mitt Has Always“Citing a 1971 letter written by Kennedy, [Romney campaign(Bruce Mohl, “Mass. Antiabortion GroupThe Boston Globe, 9/8/94)Romney In 1994: “I Think It’s Important That People See Me Not As A Pro-Life Candidate.”
U.S. Senate hopeful W. Mitt Romney further distanced himself from anti-abortion forces at the start of the GOP
state convention in Springfield, saying he does not want to be labeled a ‘pro-life’ candidate. Anti-abortion
delegates are expected to caucus before today’s convention vote, but Romney said he will not meet with them.
‘I’m not seeking their endorsement,’ said Romney, who remains the clear favorite to win the party’s endorsement
today. ‘I think it’s important that people see me not as a pro-life candidate.’”
Favorite,”
“Republican(Joe Battenfeld, “Romney Assumes Role OfBoston Herald, 5/14/94)Romney Also Backed RU-486 Access During His ‘94 Race.
been accused of waffling on abortion, came down more firmly in the abortion rights camp yesterday, voicing
support for the RU-486 ‘morning after’ abortion pill and a bill to ensure clinic access.”
Toward Abort Rights Camp,”
“GOP Senate hopeful W. Mitt Romney, who has(Andrew Miga, “Romney LeansBoston Herald, 5/19/94)•
486, The Abortion-Inducing Drug Used In Europe.”
Globe
“[Romney] Has Won Praise From Abortion Rights Groups … For Endorsing The Legalization Of RU-(Scot Lehigh, “Romney Admits Advice Against Abortion,” The Boston, 10/20/94)•
morning-after pill … I would favor having it available.”
Herald
Romney, On RU-486: “I think it would be a positive thing to have women have the choice of taking the(Andrew Miga, “Romney Leans Toward Abort Rights Camp,” Boston, 5/19/94)In 2002, Romney Filled Out Questionnaires Supporting Abortion Rights, State Funding For Abortions And
Was Endorsed By Pro-Choice Groups
Romney Professed Support For Roe v. Wade, Public Funding Of Abortions.
Parenthood gave to the gubernatorial candidates in 2002, Romney answered ‘yes’ to the question, ‘do you
support the substance of the supreme court decision in Roe v. Wade?’ Romney also professed support for state
funding of abortion services for low-income women, [spokesperson Erin] Rowland said.”
Wade Omitted From Proclamation,”
“On a questionnaire Planned(Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V.The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)•
deeply personal one … Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the
government’s. The truth is, no candidate in the Governor’s race in either party would deny women abortion
rights. So let’s end this argument that does not exist and stop the cynical, divisive attacks made only for
political gain.”
Romney, In NARAL Questionnaire: “I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose. This choice is a(Stephanie Ebbert, “Clarity Sought On Romney’s Abortion Stance,” The Boston Globe, 7/3/05)Romney Bragged Of Being Pro-Choice Since Before Roe v. Wade.
who’s pro-choice and who’s not pro-choice … I joined my mother in 1970 when she said she was in favor of
legalizing abortion. I guess they’d say she wasn’t pro-choice because we didn’t have those items to vote for.”
Lehigh, “Romney Labeled A ‘Pretender’ On Abortion Rights,”
“I don’t think it’s NARAL’s position to say(ScotThe Boston Globe, 10/12/94)Romney Argued He Was Most Pro-Choice Candidate In 2002 Election.
O’Brien and Mitt Romney sparred … over who was the strongest abortion rights supporter by touting
endorsements from abortion rights groups and challenging each other’s records on the issue.”
“O’Brien, Romney Tout Abortion Rights Credentials,”
“Gubernatorial candidates Shannon(John McElhenny,The Associated Press, 10/3/02)•
“O’Brien, Romney Tout Abortion Rights Credentials,”
“Romney … Was Endorsed By The New York-Based Republican Pro-Choice Coalition.” (John McElhenny,The Associated Press, 10/3/02)In 2002, Romney Opposed Mandatory Counseling And Waiting Periods
Boston Magazine
The Anti-Abortion Movement’s Attempts To Impose Mandatory Counseling And Waiting Periods.”
, Circa 2002: Romney Opposed “Any Curtailment Of Existing Abortion Rights, Including“According to [Romney’s] written response to an abortion-rights group questionnaire, Romney supports a ban on
partial-birth abortions but otherwise opposes any curtailment of existing abortion rights, including the anti-abortion
18
movement’s attempts to impose mandatory counseling and waiting periods.”
Magazine
( Jon Keller, “Latter-Day Complaints,” Boston, 6/02)Romney Affirmed His Support For Roe v. Wade Decision In Both Of His Previous Campaigns
1994: Romney Said He Would “Sustain And Support” Roe v. Wade.
and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US
Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support
it.”
“I believe that abortion should be safe(Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)2002: Romney Confirmed His Support For Roe v. Wade Decision In Planned Parenthood Questionnaire.
“On a questionnaire Planned Parenthood gave to the gubernatorial candidates in 2002, Romney answered ‘yes’
to the question, ‘Do you support the substance of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade?’”
Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted From Proclamation,”
(Scott S.The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)Romney Has More Than Once Become “Firmer” In His Position On Abortion
1994 Romney Spokesman:
a lot of people about them, he has become firmer in his position.”
Boston Globe
“As Mitt has studied the issues with regard to choice more and more and talked with(Scot Lehigh, “Romney Takes More Heat On Abortion,” The, 9/10/94)2007 Romney Spokesman:
and is clearly and firmly dedicated to advocating the position of protecting life.”
First Shaped By Personal, Then Clinical,”
“[T]his was clearly an issue where the governor realized he was wrong in the past(Glen Johnson, “Romney’s Abortion ViewsThe Associated Press, 2/7/07)Romney Became More Pro-Choice As 1994 Senate Race Went On, First Opposing – Then Backing –
Federal Funding Of Abortion
February 1994: Romney Claimed He Opposed Medicaid-Funded Abortions.
oppose spending public money for Medicaid-funded abortions. ‘I am not in favor of government funding of
abortion,’ he said. ‘I don’t think government should either promote or prevent abortion.’”
“GOP’s Romney Declares, Says Kennedy Out Of Date,”
“[Romney] also said he would(Scot Lehigh and Frank Phillips,The Boston Globe, 2/3/94)Later In The Campaign, Romney Changed Positions And Backed States’ Rights To Offer Medicaid-Funded
Abortions.
to the states.”
“More recently, Romney … has also said that he would leave the decision about Medicaid abortions(Scot Lehigh, “Romney Takes More Heat On Abortion,” The Boston Globe, 9/10/94)•
For Abortion.”
support the Freedom of Choice act as long as went no further than codifying Roe v. Wade, and would leave to
the states the decision on whether to use federal funds for abortion.”
Try Finger-Pointing,”
Spokesman: Romney “Would Leave To The States The Decision On Whether To Use Federal Funds“Manning said Romney wants to leave health care abortion coverage to the consumer, would(Scot Lehigh and Frank Phillips, “Lakian, RomneyThe Boston Globe, 9/9/94)•
Manning Said, ‘It’s Tiny Nuances.’”
“Asked How [Ted] Kennedy And Romney Differ On The Abortion Issue, [Romney Aide Charles](Bruce Mohl, “Mass. Antiabortion Group Backs Romney,” The Boston Globe, 9/8/94)By September 1994, Romney Was For Abortion Coverage In Federal Health Plans, Codifying Roe v. Wade
And Federal Abortion Funding.
services, would vote for a law codifying the 1972 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion and backs federal
funding for abortions as long as states can decide if they want the money, [a spokesman] said.”
Abortion Group Endorses Romney Bid,”
“Romney supports a federal health care plan option that includes abortion(Ed Hayward, “Anti-Boston Herald, 9/8/94)Romney’s Wife Contributed To Planned Parenthood
Romney’s Wife Ann Made Contribution To Planned Parenthood In 1994, Check Written “From The
Romney’s Joint Checking Account.”
Romney’s campaign said yesterday that Romney’s wife, Ann, made a $150 contribution to Planned Parenthood in
1994, the year Romney ran for Senate as a candidate supporting abortion rights. Romney spokesman Kevin
Madden said Ann Romney does not remember whether it was a straight donation to the abortion rights group,
which supports abortion rights, or whether she wrote the check as an admission fee for an event. … Madden
confirmed the payment in response to a question from the Globe asking whether Romney or his wife had given to
“As abortion continues to define the Republican presidential primary, Mitt19
the organization. He said the check was written from the Romneys’ joint checking account …”
“Romney’s Wife Made Contribution To Planned Parenthood,”
(Scott Helman,The Boston Globe, 5/10/07)ROMNEY ON ABORTION AS GOVERNOR
Romney Says That During His As Governor Tenure He Was “Consistently … Pro-Life,” But His Actions
Dispute Such A Claim
Romney Now Says He Was Effectively A Pro-Life Governor.
You can look at what I did as a governor. And as a governor I came down on the side of life.”
Colmes,” 5/7/07)
ROMNEY: “You don’t have to take my word for it.(Fox News’ “Hannity &Romney Claim: “You Can See In My Record As Governor That I Have Consistently Been Pro-Life.”
ROMNEY: “[Y]ou can look at my record as governor, and you can see in my record as governor that I have
consistently been pro-life. Every piece of legislation that dealt with life…” CNN’s JOHN ROBERTS: “Even though
you were effectively pro-choice?” ROMNEY: “You know, as governor, all the decisions I made as governor and all
the bills that came to my desk were – I came down on the side of life. So when I ran for office, I was effectively
pro- choice. I didn’t call myself pro-choice, but I said I would keep the law the way it was. But the first time as
governor that I saw a piece of legislation that dealt with life, I came down on the side of life.”
Morning,” 6/18/07)
(CNN’s “AmericanABC News: “Several Actions Romney Took Mere Months After” His Abortion Epiphany “Call Into
Question How Deep-Seated His Conversion Truly Was.”
cited a November 2004 meeting with a Harvard stem-cell researcher as the moment that changed his long-held
stance of supporting abortion rights to his current ‘pro-life’ position opposing legal abortion. But several actions
Romney took mere months after that meeting call into question how deep-seated his conversion truly was.”
Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?”
“Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has long(RickABC News, 6/14/07)Romney Appointed Pro-Choice Judge Just Two Months After His Abortion “Conversion”
“Within Two Months Of His Epiphany On This Issue, Romney Appointed To A Judgeship A Democrat Who
Was An Avowed Supporter Of Abortion Rights.”
Reality?”
(Rick Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-Life Conversion: Myth OrABC News, 6/14/07)Romney Appointed Matthew Nestor To The Somerville District Court In January 2005.
The Executive Council, 1/18/05)
(Mitt Romney, Letter ToNestor Is Pro-Choice, A Position He “Stressed” During State House Campaign.
grew up in Randolph and graduated from Wesleyan University and Boston College Law School. … In the
campaign, he has stressed his support for the death penalty and welfare reform as well as a pro-choice stance on
abortion, issues on which he and Jones agree..”
Globe
“Nestor was born in Lynn,(Andy Dabilis, “Jones, Nestor Lock Horns In 21st Middlesex Contest,” The Boston, 10/16/94)Republican Strategist Keith Appell:
instead of following his supposed judicial philosophy, and that’s what the conservative base of the Republican
Party is very leery of … If you espouse a certain judicial philosophy, your appointments should reflect it.”
and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?”
“This would appear to be evidence that he bowed to political pressures(Rick KleinABC News, 6/14/07)Romney Health Care Plan Expanded Access To Abortion, Required Planned Parenthood Representative
On State Policy Panel
October 2006: Romney Took Credit For “Officially” Launching Commonwealth Care, Calling It “Key
Component” Of RomneyCare.
Governor: Governor Mitt Romney today officially launched Commonwealth Care, an innovative health insurance
product that will allow thousands of uninsured Massachusetts residents to purchase private health insurance
products at affordable rates. Commonwealth Care is a key component of the state’s landmark healthcare reform
law approved by the Governor in April. ‘We are now on the road to getting everyone health insurance in
Massachusetts,’ said Governor Romney. … ‘Today, we celebrate a great beginning.’”
Healthcare Reform Product,”
“The following information was released by the Massachusetts Office of the(“Romney Unveils First NewStates News Service, 10/2/06)•
insurance than is now available.”
Romney: “Earlier this year, I offered a plan called Commonwealth Care that opens the market to much lowercost(Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, “Health-Care Reform Gets A Fair Shake,” Boston Herald, 6/21/05)20
Under Commonwealth Care, State Pays For Coverage For Those Earning Less Than Federal Poverty
Level And “Subsidizes” Insurance For Those Making Up To Three Times Poverty Level.
earning less than the federal poverty level of $10,210, the state created a new program called Commonwealth
Care to offer essentially free coverage. The state already has signed up 63,000 of the estimated 140,000 of its
poorest residents. … For those making slightly more up to three times the federal poverty level or $30,630 for an
individual the state requires payments between $18 and $106 a month in premiums depending on their income,
but still subsidizes a portion of the cost.”
“For individuals …(Steve LeBlanc, “Massachusetts Celebrates Anniversary Of Landmark Health Care Law,”The Associated Press
, 4/11/07)Commonwealth Care, Which Is “Funded By The State,” Provides Access To Abortion Services.
“Commonwealth Care is run by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority and funded by the
state. … Commonwealth Care health plans include: outpatient medical care (doctor’s visits, surgery, radiology
and lab, abortion, community health center visits) …”
(MassResources Website, www.massresources.org, Accessed 2/5/07)As Of June 1, 2007, Commonwealth Care Enrollment Had Reached 79,000 People.
Commonwealth Care, the subsidized program for people with income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal
poverty level ($30,630 for an individual and $61,950 for a family of four), spiked to more than 79,000 as of June 1.
This marks an increase of 10,000, or 15 percent, over the previous month.”
Authority, Press Release, 6/4/07)
“Enrollment in(Commonwealth Health Insurance ConnectorSection 3 Of The Health Care Reform Bill Romney Signed In To Law Requires That One Member Of
MassHealth Payment Policy Board Must Be Appointed By Planned Parenthood Of Massachusetts.
Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006: “SECTION 3. Chapter 6A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting
after section 16I the following 6 sections: . . . Section 16M. (a) There shall be a MassHealth payment policy
advisory board. The board shall consist of the secretary of health and human services or his designee, who shall
serve as chair, the commissioner of health care financing and policy, and 12 other members: … 1 member
appointed by Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts …”
Accessed 2/5/07)
From(Massachusetts General Court Website, www.mass.gov,•
noticed some of the conservative groups back in Massachusetts, they complain about there’s a Planned
Parenthood rep mandate to be on the planning board for the health care plan. Is that something you just had
to deal with in negotiating with the legislature?” ROMNEY: “It’s certainly not something that was in my bill.”
In June 2007, Romney Denied His Bill Included The Planned Parenthood Mandate. QUESTION: “I(Eric Krol, “Full Text Of Romney Interview,” [Arlington Heights, IL]
Daily Herald, 6/17/07)Romney Signed Bill Expanding Family Planning, Morning-After Pill Distribution In Massachusetts
In October 2005, Romney Signed Bill Expanding Family Planning Services, Including Abortion Counseling
And Morning-After Pill.
get family-planning services, including the morning-after pill, confusing some abortion and contraception foes who
had been heartened by his earlier veto of an emergency contraception bill. … The services include the distribution
of condoms, abortion counseling, and the distribution of emergency contraception, or morning after pills, by
prescription …”
“Governor Mitt Romney has signed a bill that could expand the number of people who(Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,” The Boston Globe, 10/15/05)•
For Family Planning Services By Estimated 88,000 People.
federal waiver to expand the number of low-income people eligible for comprehensive family-planning
services statewide. If the federal government approves the waiver, an estimated 88,000 more people would
be eligible, said Richard Powers, spokesman for the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services.”
Law Called For State To Seek Federal Waiver To Expand Number Of Low-Income Residents Eligible“The new law calls for the state to seek a(Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,”
The Boston Globe, 10/15/05)Romney Had Previously Argued That Morning-After Pills “Cause Abortions.”
to expand the use of the morning-after pills by requiring hospitals to offer them to rape victims and requiring
pharmacists to dispense them without prescriptions. At the time, the governor embraced opponents’ argument
that the pills not only prevent pregnancies, but cause abortions. The Legislature overrode the veto in September.”
“In July, Romney vetoed a bill(Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,”
The Boston Globe, 10/15/05)•
Life After Conception.”
described by its sponsors as a measure relating to contraception, there is more to it than that. The bill does
In July 2005 Boston Globe Op-Ed, Romney Argued That Morning-After Pill Plan B Would “Terminate“Yesterday I vetoed a bill that the Legislature forwarded to my desk. Though21
not involve only the prevention of conception: The drug it authorizes [Plan B emergency contraception] would
also terminate life after conception.”
(Mitt Romney, “Why I Vetoed Contraception Bill,” The Boston Globe, 7/26/05)Romney Communications Director Eric Fehrnstrom “Suggested That The Decision Was Not
Controversial.”
communications director, Eric Fehrnstrom, suggested that the decision was not controversial.”
“Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,”
“The administration did not publicize the waiver request. Yesterday, the governor’s(Stephanie Ebbert,The Boston Globe, 10/15/05)•
have no objection to the Legislature’s directive that we seek a waiver to expand the eligible population to
women with a slightly higher income …”
10/15/05)
Fehrnstrom: “The Commonwealth already provides these health services to low-income women, and we(Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,” The Boston Globe,“[R]omney’s Move Has Left Some Conservatives Across The Country Confused …”
Signs Bill On Family Planning,”
(Stephanie Ebbert, “RomneyThe Boston Globe, 10/15/05)•
folks, he won’t get the hardcore. … If he were consistent, he would have vetoed that …”
“Romney Signs Bill On Family Planning,”
Joseph M. Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League: “The guy’s not coming around … If he’s trying to win prolife(Stephanie Ebbert,The Boston Globe, 10/15/05)As Governor, Romney Ordered Catholic Hospitals To Distribute Emergency Contraception
In December 2005, Romney “Abruptly Ordered His Administration To Reverse Course … And Require
Catholic Hospitals To Provide Emergency Contraception To Rape Victims.”
ordered his administration to reverse course yesterday and require Catholic hospitals to provide emergency
contraception medication to rape victims. In a turnaround that foes derided as politically motivated, Romney
directed his Department of Public Health to scrap rules that exempted the Catholic institutions from a new law
governing the medicine.”
“Gov. Mitt Romney abruptly(Kimberly Atkins, “Romney Flip Nixes Hospital Exception On Post-Rape Drug,” Boston Herald, 12/9/05)•
anyone who is a victim of rape.”
Romney: “It’s the right thing for hospitals to provide information and access to emergency contraception to(Dave Wedge, “Merry Christy,” Boston Herald, 12/11/05)•
option of having emergency contraceptives or emergency contraceptive information …”
Flip Nixes Hospital Exception On Post-Rape Drug,”
Romney: “My personal view in my heart of hearts is that people who are subject to rape should have the(Kimberly Atkins, “RomneyBoston Herald, 12/9/05)Romney Had Initially Supported State Ruling Allowing Hospitals To Opt Out On Moral Grounds.
decision overturns a ruling made public this week by the state Department of Public Health that privately run
hospitals could opt out of the requirement if they objected on moral or religious grounds. Romney had initially
supported that interpretation…”
“The(Scott Helman, “Romney Says No Hospitals Are Exempt From Pill Law,” The Boston Globe, 12/9/05)Boston Herald
now executed an Olympic-caliber double flip-flop with a gold medal-performance twist-and-a-half on the issue of
emergency contraception. … It’s no secret Mitt Romney would like to be president. But who would have thought
he’d take John Kerry as his campaign role model?”
Called It “An Olympic-Caliber Double Flip-Flop.” “Flip, flop, flip. Yes, Gov. Mitt Romney has(Editorial, “Politics On Display The Morning-After,” Boston Herald, 12/9/05)ROMNEY ON ABORTION IN 2007
In Early 2007, Romney Gave South Carolina Audiences Conflicting Answers On His Abortion Position
Romney In South Carolina, January 29:
… I never called myself that as a label but I was effectively pro-choice and that followed a personal
experience in my extended family that led to that conclusion.”
“Over the last multiple years, as you know, I have been effectively prochoice(Bruce Smith, “Romney Campaigns In SC With Sen. DeMint,”The Associated Press
, 1/30/07)Romney In South Carolina, February 8:
Abortion Opposition During Stop In SC,”
“I am firmly pro-life … I was always for life.” (Jim Davenport, “Romney AffirmsThe Associated Press, 2/8/07)Romney Refused To Comment On South Carolina Legislation That Would Require Pregnant Women To
Be Offered View Of Ultrasound Image Of Fetus Before Choosing An Abortion
22
Romney “Refused To Comment” On Bill Pending In South Carolina Legislature Requiring That Abortion
Doctors Offer Women Option Of Viewing Ultrasound.
week, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney refused to comment on a bill pending in the South Carolina
legislature that is a new trend in reducing abortions. The measure would require abortion practitioners to allow
women a chance to see an ultrasound. … It follows on research showing that a high number of abortion-minded
women who see ultrasounds at pregnancy centers decide to keep their baby.”
Comment On South Carolina Abortion-Ultrasound Bill,”
“In a campaign stop in South Carolina at the end of last(Steven Ertelt, “Mitt Romney Won’tLife News, 4/17/07)•
legislation enjoys the support of other top GOP presidential candidates, but Romney appeared to sidestep the
question when asked whether he backed it. ‘I would like to see each state be able to make its own law with
regard to abortion,’ Romney told AP when asked a question about his stance on it. ‘I think the Roe v. Wade
one-size-fits-all approach is wrong.’”
“Romney Appeared To Sidestep The Question” When Asked If He Supported The Measure. “The(Steven Ertelt, “Mitt Romney Won’t Comment On South Carolina Abortion-Ultrasound Bill,”Life News
, 4/17/07)•
Make Their Own Abortion Laws.”
Associated Press
“[Romney] Declined Friday To Weigh In … [T]he Former Massachusetts Governor Said States Should(Meg Kinnard, “Romney Sidesteps Ultrasound Viewing Requirement For Abortion,” The, 4/13/07)Huckabee, McCain, Brownback All Support Ultrasound Bill.
measure in interviews with the newspaper. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has signed pro-life bills
into law as governor in his state, says he backs the idea. … Arizona Sen. John McCain says he, too, favors the
abortion-ultrasound requirement. … Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback said he supported the bill as well.”
“Mitt Romney Won’t Comment On South Carolina Abortion-Ultrasound Bill,”
“Other candidates were more specific on the(Steven Ertelt,Life News, 4/17/07)Pro-Life Groups, Pro-Choice Groups And Romney’s Own Advisors Have Been Confused About His
Abortion Stance
Romney Advisor James Bopp, Circa 2007: “I’m Really Not Sure Where [Abortion] Will Ultimately Fit In His
Agenda. He’s Still On A Journey.”
paying lip service on an important issue to the base? … ‘I don’t know yet about Romney,’ [Romney advisory
James] Bopp admits. ‘I’m not really sure where [abortion] will ultimately fit in his agenda. He’s still on a journey.’”
“Will any of these candidates really advocate to end abortion, or are they just(Jonathan Martin, “Abortion Wars (Cont.),”
Politico, www.politico.com, 2/21/07)In 2005, Confusion Reigned Over Romney’s Abortion Beliefs.
debate say they are confused over Governor Mitt Romney’s position on abortion and are seeking to understand
the meaning of recent comments he has made, in light of the positions he outlined during the 2002 gubernatorial
campaign.”
“Advocates on both sides of the abortion(Stephanie Ebbert, “Clarity Sought On Romney’s Abortion Stance,” The Boston Globe, 7/3/05)2002: Romney Declined To Fill Out Massachusetts Citizens For Life’s Questionnaire.
Citizens for Life’s Marie Sturgis said] ‘We honestly don’t know where he stands on this issue.’ … When he ran for
governor in 2002, she said, her group considered him an abortion rights supporter; Romney declined to complete
the Citizens for Life questionnaire.”
“[Massachusetts(Stephanie Ebbert, “Clarity Sought On Romney’s Abortion Stance,” The Boston Globe, 7/3/05)•
campaign for governor, Mr. Romney ran away from the group’s endorsement at a televised debate like a dog
from a vacuum cleaner.”
New York Sun’s Ryan Sager, On Romney And Massachusetts Citizens For Life: “[D]uring his 2002(Ryan Sager, “Political Video Of The Day: Romney And Mass. Citizens For Life,” New York Sun’s PoliticsBlog
, 5/9/07)In 2005, Massachusetts Citizens For Life Still Considered Romney To Be An Abortion Rights Supporter.
“[Sturgis] said she hasn’t detected any change in Romney’s stance. The group considers Romney to be an
abortion-rights supporter, as do national antiabortion groups such as the Family Research Council.”
Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted From Proclamation,”
(Scott S.The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)Romney In Early 2002: Don’t Call Me Pro-Choice
because Romney insists on not being labeled either pro-life or pro-choice. ‘People have to look at my views piece
by piece, and they can decide what to call me,’ he said. … ‘I do not favor the choice of abortion,’ he said. ‘I do,
however, if I am elected governor, believe that is it my responsibility to protect the right of a woman to make that
choice herself.’”
Or Pro-Life. His position on abortion is already an issue(Lisa Riley Roche, “At Peace In Massachusetts,” Deseret News, 4/28/02)
Romney In Late 2002: “I Do Not Take The Position Of A Pro-Life Candidate.” (David Guarino, “Last Brawl,”Boston Herald
, 10/30/02)23
In Early 2005, Romney Refused To Say Where He Stood On Abortion In Any Other Context Than
Governor.
abortion illegal, he replied: ‘I’m telling you exactly what I will do as governor of Massachusetts, but I’m not going to
tell you what I’d do as mayor of Boston or a congressman or any of those positions.’”
“Mass. Governor’s Rightward Shift Raises Questions,”
“Asked in an interview with Washington Post reporters in February 2005 whether he favored making(Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray,The Washington Post, 12/21/06)Romney Falsely Claimed President Bush Was Pro-Choice Before He Became Pro-Life
Romney Recently Claimed President George W. Bush “Was Pro-Choice Before He Became Pro-Life.”
“Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said this week that President Bush ‘was pro-choice before he became
pro-life,’ an assertion the Romney campaign now acknowledges was inaccurate. The remark was based on a
magazine article Romney had read, his campaign said.”
Politico
(Mike Allen, “Romney Misstates Past Bush View On Abortion,” The, www.politico.com, 2/25/07)White House Responded That President Bush Has Always Been Pro-Life.
always been ‘pro-life.’ During the presidential race of 2000, Dan Bartlett – then a spokesman for the Bush
campaign, now the White House counselor – was asked about a quotation from a Texas newspaper in 1978
suggesting Bush’s position had been unclear. Bartlett told
before he ran for Congress, during his run for Congress and after he ran for Congress.’ A White House official
said Friday that Bartlett’s quote is still accurate today.”
Politico
“The White House said Bush hasThe Washington Post: ‘The governor was pro-life(Mike Allen, “Romney Misstates Past Bush View On Abortion,” The, www.politico.com, 2/25/07)Romney Campaign Said Romney’s Remark Was “Off The Cuff” And Based On One Op-Ed Column.
“Romney’s campaign said the comment was off the cuff and was based on a National Review article, which
remained on Romney’s Web site Saturday morning, asserting that “George W. Bush ran as a pro-choice politician
in his 1978 congressional campaign.”
2/25/07)
(Mike Allen, “Romney Misstates Past Bush View On Abortion,” The Politico, www.politico.com,STEM CELL RESEARCH
Romney Was Once Emphatically In Favor Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
June 2002: Romney “Spoke Extensively” About His Support For Embryonic Stem Cell Research At
Bioethics Forum.
embryonic stem cell research … [Romney] endorsed embryonic stem cell research, saying the controversial
science might one day help treat his wife’s multiple sclerosis in addition to numerous other degenerative
diseases. … Romney spoke extensively about his position on stem cell research, which also involves embryo
destruction.”
“Speaking at a bioethics forum, GOP gubernatorial hopeful Mitt Romney yesterday endorsed(Raja Mishra, “Romney Endorses Stem Cell Research, Is Silent On Cloning,” The Boston Globe, 6/14/02)•
Policy.
adding, ‘I’d be happy to talk to [President Bush] about this, though I don’t know if I could budge him an inch.’
Last summer, Bush set tight limits on taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research…”
Endorses Stem Cell Research, Is Silent On Cloning,”
Romney Promised To “Work And Fight For Stem Cell Research,” Criticized President Bush’s 2001“‘I am in favor of stem cell research. I will work and fight for stem cell research,’ [Romney] said,(Raja Mishra, “RomneyThe Boston Globe, 6/14/02)In 2004, Romney Reiterated Support At Biotech Conference, Saying He Didn’t Want “Any Impediment To
Doing Research In Massachusetts.”
‘We don’t want there to be any impediment to doing research in Massachusetts, any impediment that would take
you to another state,’ Mr. Romney said.”
4/30/04)
“In his remarks, Mr. Romney also said he supported stem cell research …(Lisa Eckelbecker, “Leaders Deride Drug Imports,” Telegram & Gazette [Worcester, MA],As Of February 2005, Romney Took A “More Liberal Position Than The President’s” On Stem Cell
Research.
funding on batches of embryonic stem cells created before that date. Romney said that scientists should be able
to work with those embryonic stem cells, but also with embryonic stem cells created after that date, as long as
they have been made from embryos generated for fertility clinics that otherwise would have been discarded. This
“Under a Bush administration policy announced Aug. 9, 2001, researchers can only use federalrepresents a more liberal position than the president’s.”
Illnesses,” (Gareth Cook, “Stem Cell Research Holds Promise Against ManyThe Boston Globe, 2/11/05)
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