Giuliani firm on favoring abortion

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HOUSTON -- Republican presidential candidate Rudolph W. Giuliani forcefully reaffirmed his pro-choice stance yesterday and argued that his divergence from conservatives on the issue should not disqualify him from being the eventual GOP nominee.

"This is a matter of deep and profound judgment," he said in a speech at Houston Baptist University. "It's a matter of morals. It's a matter of your interpretation of how laws should operate, your interpretation of how respect for the rights of others should operate.

"But in a country like ours ... I believe you have to respect their viewpoint and give them a level of choice. I would grant women the right to make that choice."

The former New York City mayor has struggled in the last week to explain his personal opposition to abortion with his long public record of favoring a woman's right to choose. He has defended his positions -- and some say contradictory comments -- on late-term abortion, public funding for abortions and the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion.

But Mr. Giuliani left few questions about his position yesterday, telling about 500 students and faculty at the small conservative school that -- despite his belief that abortion was "morally wrong" -- he believes the decision should ultimately be left to individuals and their decisions should be respected.

Opposition to abortion has been a litmus test for conservatives within the Republican Party, who hold considerable sway in the primaries. Mr. Giuliani has drawn criticism from some in the GOP for his pro-choice stance. One of his rivals, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, has switched from being pro-choice to being pro-life -- a shift that also has drawn complaints.

Another rival, Sam Brownback, said that a pro-choice Republican would have trouble winning the nomination. His comments echoed those of another candidate, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

"It is a pro-life party, with a pro-choice wing," said the Kansas senator, who spoke during a taping of Iowa Public Television's "Iowa Press" program. "I think he has great trouble winning off of that position."

Mr. Brownback also criticized Mr. Romney's switch.

"I do think what will be a deal breaker is if you flip on core issues like life, taxes, Second Amendment rights," he said.