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Reagan never had a "change of heart" switching from being a pro-abortion man to being against abortion, you lying scum, because he was never pro-abortion.

Reagan dithered a long time before he signed the bill, which would seem to indicate that, while not "pro-abortion", he certainly didn't hold a non-negotiable, pro-life position. Abortion was only just appearing on the horizon as a national issue at this time and Reagan was a new governor. These two factors can be counted in his favor, as he was undoubtedly swayed by the "life of the mother" arguments.

Two million abortions resulted from his signature on that bill and even the bill's author said he was surprised by the liberal way in which it was interpreted.

As a result, Reagan had what could perhaps best be called an "awakening", rather than a "change of heart" and he lamented signing the bill. He subsequently espoused a pro-life position for the rest of his life. Whether he considered life issues, including abortion, to be the major issues facing America, is another question, however.

In general, the Republican contribution to the sharp end of the abortion conflict has been less than stellar, especially when it comes to nominating Supreme Court justices.

The point is that Reagan was never pro-abortion, was always pro-life, and never had to switch.

It is a lie when these romneybots parrot Mitt Romney's attacks on Reagan by saying he was pro-abortion.

Romney has been claiming and spreading a new history that Reagan was "adamantly pro-choice".

Back then we didn't even use the language of "pro-life", pro-choice" and we trusted doctors and "substantial health" and the requirement of a medical committee, sounded legitimate.

Thank you marshmallow! I don't know where this troll (Ansel12) is coming from, but I'm getting tired of being called a liar among other disparaging names. As far as I know, Ansell did not live in CA, even if he were alive at the time Reagan signed the Bill. I did live there. I was part of the conversation over that Bill (against it.) I did receive a letter from Reagan explaining his capitulation to the pro-abort forces behind the Bill. I was part of a wider community conversation of people upset about the Bill. We all thought we just had to bide our time before it was overturned.

I have a bracelet (sort of like the POW-MIA bracelets) that I bought at a Catholic Daughters' convention that I vowed to wear until Roe v Wade was overturned. I confess that I got tired of wearing it every day. I think it's time to get it out again -- at least on Sundays.