Well, I slightly disagree with that. I consider those peripheral issues important and one where conservatives can build a consensus.
Partial birth abortion is something that turns most people (of both major political flavors) off and should be banned, and I think a solid consensus can be built around that. Parental notification of minors seeking abortions likewise (despite its stunning loss in California) is a good consensus issue. Federal funding for abortions is another. Those are the pro life issues in 2006 that a conservative consensus can be reached.
Whether abortion should be legal or not, sad to say, is not the 2006 issue among most people. So in that way, I think they are issues conservatives, pro lifers, and others can reach agreement on.
I would like to think you're right about building a consensus, but even here on FR you can see the impatience - "Alito's going to the Court, and Roe's going DOWN!" It's been 33 years and people don't understand why they are not getting results.