Romney says abortion legal for mother’s health

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Republican Mitt Romney says he is in favor of abortion in cases of rape, incest and the health and life of the mother.

The presidential candidate’s addition of the health of the mother is certain to raise questions about Romney’s position among conservatives. Health can be broadly defined and, in fact, running mate Paul Ryan has challenged the health exception as a major loophole.

Romney commented in an interview Monday with CBS News.

Romney’s position on abortion rights has evolved. When he ran for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, he backed abortion rights. As a presidential candidate, he has opposed abortion rights and says the Supreme Court should reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

In a statement, Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said Romney’s position is clear — that he opposes abortion except for cases of rape, incest and where the life of the mother is threatened.