WASHINGTON - October 20, 2011 - Herman Cain sought to clarify his position on abortion Thursday after one rival seized on comments he made saying that while he opposes abortion, the government shouldn’t decide whether women can terminate their pregnancies.
In an interview Wednesday with CNN, Cain said he believes life begins at conception. He said does not believe in "abortion under (any) circumstances.". But Cain also said "it's not the government's role or anybody else's role to make that decision," according to a CNN transcript.
Asked whether his personal views would become a "directive to the nation" should he become president, Cain said they wouldn't.
"I can have an opinion on an issue without it being a directive on the nation," he said. "The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decisions they need to make."
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum pounced on Cain Thursday, saying it mirrors the views of abortion-rights supporters and shows that Cain is not a true conservative.
Cain’s campaign issued a statement later Thursday saying Cain’s answer was focused on whether he as president would “order” people not to seek an abortion.
“The president has (no) constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone,” he said. “That was the point I was trying to convey.
“As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life. End of story,” he said, adding that he will appoint judges who are anti-abortion.
“I will oppose government funding of abortion,” he said. “I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood. I will do everything that a president can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life.”
