Women's Rights, the Supreme Court and the Race for the White House

The US Supreme Court legalized abortion in Roe v. Wade, and the Obama Administration calls it "settled law." In last week's vice-presidential debate, moderator Martha Raddatz asked about abortion. Vice President Joe Biden said his Catholic religion required him to oppose it in his own life, but refused to impose that on others, calling it a decision between a woman and her doctor. Raddatz asked Congressman Paul Ryan, who's also Catholic, if supporters should fear a Romney administration. He, and the website of the Romney campaign, said "elected representatives," not "unelected judges," should make that call. Would Romney sign legislation to overturn Roe v. Wade? Would he appoint new justices to replace aging supporters of a woman's right to choose? Has he been clear about his own views on reproductive rights or the standards he would apply to his power of appointment?

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