Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Wednesday said he was backing Mitt Romney’s position on abortion, which allows exceptions for incest or rape, but defended his own record on abortion rights issues, including a bill he co-sponsored with embattled Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) .
When asked about legislation he sponsored with Akin that did not include those exceptions, the vice presidential hopeful said he was “proud of my pro-life record.”
“That bill passed, I think, by 251 votes,” Ryan said. “It was bipartisan. I think HR-3 is the one you are talking about. I think we had 251 votes, 16 Democrats.”
Ryan, though, insisted he would back Romney’s stance on abortion rights issues, which would allow more flexibility than he has preferred.
"I’m proud of my record," Ryan said. "Mitt Romney is going to be president and the president sets policy. His policy is exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. I’m comfortable with it because it’s a good step in the right direction.”
Ryan’s House colleague Akin came under fire this week for saying women who had been the victims of "legitimate rape" could biologically avoid pregnancy.
Akin has faced intense pressure from Romney and other GOP leaders to drop out of the Missouri Senate race. Republicans fear that Akin’s remark will weaken their chances of retaking the Senate and could drag down Romney’s ticket.
Ryan acknowledged that he called Akin on Tuesday to urge him to end his candidacy.
"I agree with Roy and Jack Danforth and the rest of the people from the Missouri delegation, current and former, that he should have dropped out of the race,” Ryan said, adding he wanted to keep the details of the conversation with Akin "between us."
"He is going to run his campaign and we are going to run ours," Ryan said.
The Obama campaign has hit Ryan's abortion stance in recent days as they seek to parlay Akin's comments into an electoral advantage.
"As a Republican leader in the House, Paul Ryan worked with Todd Akin to try to narrow the definition of rape and outlaw abortion even for rape victims," said Obama spokeswoman Lis Smith in an email. "He may hope that American women never learn about this record, but they deserve an answer to why he wanted to redefine rape and remove protections for rape victims.”
Ryan made the comments clarifying his stance on abortion while flying between campaign stops in Roanoke, Va., and Raleigh, N.C.
In Raleigh, Ryan repeatedly referenced the sheet metal fabrication company hosting his event to hit President Obama on the economy — and steered clear of social issues.
"You did this. This is your business," Ryan said to the company's proprietors. "We're proud of you. Success is a good thing in America, we're proud of you, that's what jobs are all about."
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