- The Washington Times - Wednesday, February 6, 2013

President Obama gave NARAL Pro-Choice America a clear thumbs-up message Tuesday night, delivering remarks via videotape to group members that included his personal belief of a woman’s right to control her reproductive system, including abortion.

“Tonight we celebrate the historic Roe v. Wade decision handed down 40 years ago, but we also gather to recommit ourselves to the decision’s guiding principle: that women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies and their health care,” Mr. Obama said, in videotaped remarks at the group’s anniversary dinner to welcome new NARAL president, Ilyse Hogue, according to Politico.

The Daily Beast reminds that the speech comes on the heels of last week’s administration decision to exempt certain nonprofits from Obamacare requirements to offer employees birth control in medical plans; a move that was largely criticized by abortion supporters.

Tuesday, Mr. Obama was reassuring of his full commitment to reproductive choice and abortion on demand.

“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to protecting women’s access to safe, affordable health care, and her right to reproductive freedom because we know that we are better off as a nation when women are treated fairly and equally in every aspect of life, whether it’s the salary you earn or the health decisions you make,” he said, Politico reported. “This is a country where the success of us all depends on the empowerment of each of us.”

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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