Pennsylvania’s Lynn Swann Opposes Abortion, Unclear on Stem Cell Research

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Feb 13, 2006   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Pennsylvania’s Lynn Swann Opposes Abortion, Unclear on Stem Cell Research Email this article
Printer friendly page

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
February 13, 2006

Harrisburg, PA (LifeNews.com) — Likely Republican gubernatorial nominee Lynn Swann, a former Hall of Fame football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, said in an interview on Sunday that he opposes abortion. He was unsure of his position on stem cell research and said he wanted more input before making a final decision on it.

During an interview on ABC News’ ”This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Swann indicated he would sign legislation banning abortions once the Supreme Court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision.

”I would sign — if the legislation came to me, I would sign it,” Swann said, after initially thinking that abortions would be prohibited if Roe is overturned.

”Well if they send it to the states to decide … as opposed to making a decision that abortions are illegal, then I would sign [legislation] making abortions illegal," he said.

”You describe yourself as ‘pro-life.’ What does that mean to you exactly?” Stephanopoulos asked Swann.

”That you’re in favor of life,” Swann replied. ”That you do not believe in abortion. That you look for alternative measures and means other than having an abortion.”

Swann appeared to have no clear position on the issue of stem cell research and indicated he was ”not an expert when it comes to that kind of research at this particular time,” and would ”rely on the science and the medical community to give me some input in terms of where we should go.”

Swann told the ABC News program that he has spoken to doctors who told him that such research could be conducted without using embryonic cells, and with others who say destroying human life is necessary.

When asked what he believe, Swann responded, "Well, I don’t know — it’s not a matter of what I believe. It’s a matter of getting information and making an informed decision. You know, in our scientific community, why are they opposing each other?

Though Swann faces a primary challenge in May, he already has the backing of the Republican Party in the state and observers are looking ahead to his matchup with pro-abortion Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

In 2004, Rendell lent his support to leading pro-abortion group NARAL to raise $25 million for its election efforts.