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Steele forced to clarify abortion stance
Posted: 10:33 AM ET
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Steele's recent comments on abortion did not sit well with some Republicans (GETTY IMAGES)
(CNN) — Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele — already under fire from some in the GOP over his turbulent first month at the helm of the party — looked to ease conservative concerns Thursday over his comments suggesting abortion is an "individual choice."
"I am pro-life, always have been, always will be," Steele said in a statement. "I tried to present why I am pro life while recognizing that my mother had a 'choice' before deciding to put me up for adoption. I thank her every day for supporting life. The strength of the pro life movement lies in choosing life and sharing the wisdom of that choice with those who face difficult circumstances."
On Wednesday, GQ magazine published a recent interview with Steele on its Web site, during which the RNC chairman called abortion a "choice" and said the matter should be left up to the states to decide.
"I think that’s an individual choice," he said of abortion, adding that he thinks Roe v. Wade was a "wrongly decided matter."
"The states should make that choice. That’s what the choice is. The individual choice rests in the states. Let them decide."
The comments haven't sat well with some conservative activists, and Steele has reportedly reached out to several in order ease concerns on his abortion stance.
Posted: 10:33 AM ET
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Steele's recent comments on abortion did not sit well with some Republicans (GETTY IMAGES)
(CNN) — Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele — already under fire from some in the GOP over his turbulent first month at the helm of the party — looked to ease conservative concerns Thursday over his comments suggesting abortion is an "individual choice."
"I am pro-life, always have been, always will be," Steele said in a statement. "I tried to present why I am pro life while recognizing that my mother had a 'choice' before deciding to put me up for adoption. I thank her every day for supporting life. The strength of the pro life movement lies in choosing life and sharing the wisdom of that choice with those who face difficult circumstances."
On Wednesday, GQ magazine published a recent interview with Steele on its Web site, during which the RNC chairman called abortion a "choice" and said the matter should be left up to the states to decide.
"I think that’s an individual choice," he said of abortion, adding that he thinks Roe v. Wade was a "wrongly decided matter."
"The states should make that choice. That’s what the choice is. The individual choice rests in the states. Let them decide."
The comments haven't sat well with some conservative activists, and Steele has reportedly reached out to several in order ease concerns on his abortion stance.
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