This article originally appeared online at The Des Moines Register on August 24, 2011.
Rick Perry joins others in pledging against abortion
By Josh Hafner
Texas Gov. Rick Perry became the seventh candidate to sign the Pro-Life Presidential Leadership Pledge, promising to appoint cabinet members and judges that are against abortion and withhold federal money from medical centers that perform abortions. Pledge signees also promise to push for legislation ending abortions.
“I not only pledge to protect unborn life, but have a record of doing so in Texas,” said Perry in a release. “I have signed legislation requiring parental consent for a minor to obtain an abortion, and have long advocated adoption as an alternative to abortion in order to protect unborn children.”
Perry’s declaration shifts him markedly to the social right of fellow top contender former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is also against abortion but declined to sign the pledge.
Other candidates to decline the pledge include former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, another moderate conservative, and businessman Herman Cain. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan, and former Rep. Newt Gingrich have all signed the pledge created by The Susan B. Anthony List, a political action committee centered on abortion issues.
“Governor Perry has been a long-time friend of, and leader for, the pro-life community,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a release. “His signature on our pledge is more than welcome and we applaud him for his commitment to continue to fight for women and unborn children.”
