Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Leading pro-abortion groups say they're pleased that pro-abortion presidential candidate Barack Obama selected a running mate who mirrors his views. In Joe Biden, Obama has a vice-presidential candidate who has a long history of voting against virtually every modest abortion limit.

While Biden has voted for the rare abortion limit -- such as supporting the ban on partial-birth abortions -- his "consistent" position in favor of the 35 years of 50 million abortions Roe authorized put him in good stead with NARAL.

"Sen. Biden has consistently expressed support for a woman's right to choose," NARAL president Nancy Keenan said in a statement sent to LifeNews.com.

"While we have not agreed with him on every vote, we have a longstanding relationship with Sen. Biden that is open, positive, and constructive, and we are confident this will continue in a new administration under Sen. Obama's pro-choice leadership," she added.

Keenan praised Biden's "strong record of opposing judicial nominees" who would be most likely to overturn Roe. She also praised him for opposing John Roberts and Samuel Alito, the Supreme Court judges approved during the Bush administration, and Clarence Thomas, who has written Roe should be reversed.

Conceding that the group would have preferred another selection, Kin Gandy, the head of the pro-abortion group NOW, said she is pleased with Biden.

"Senator Hillary Clinton was our first choice, and that of 18 million primary voters, but presumptive Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama's pick, Joe Biden, is ... a strong selection for Vice President," she told LifeNews.com.

"NOW welcomes this important opportunity for one of our champions to participate in a national dialogue around issues that are facing our country and our world," she added.

Gandy's group confirmed its opposition to McCain because of his abortion position.

"We know that Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, is a longstanding opponent of [abortion] and NOW PAC will actively work to prevent him from [becoming president]," she said.

 

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