Romney says he won’t pursue abortion legislation

Good to know.

This, from the Wall Street Journal:

Mitt Romney continued his shift to the center Tuesday, saying he wouldn’t pursue any abortion legislation if he wins the presidency.

“There’s no legislation with regards to abortion that I’m familiar with that would become part of my agenda,” Mr. Romney told The Des Moines Register’s editorial board Tuesday as he sought its endorsement.

Mr. Romney, who is opposed to abortion with certain exceptions, promised other moves to limit abortions. Before traveling to Ohio, he told the Iowa newspaper he would sign an executive order to ban U.S. foreign aid money from being used for abortions.

The GOP candidate has previously vowed to eliminate federal funds for Planned Parenthood clinics. And he said, if elected, he would appoint Supreme Court judges who oppose Roe v. Wade.

Read more.

The Des Moines Register adds:

The Obama campaign quickly seized on Romney’s abortion comments Tuesday, sending out a news release accusing Romney of contradicting himself because he has said he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Obama’s Iowa spokeswoman, Erin Seidler argued that Romney contradicted himself because has said he supports the Hyde Amendment, which broadly bars the use of federal funds for abortions.

However, the Hyde Amendment is already part of current law. And Romney has said he would appoint justices who are not activist judges.

Romney aides rejected the idea that he contradicted himself.

Spokeswoman Andrea Saul said: “Mitt Romney is proudly pro-life and will be a pro-life president.”