Pro-abortion-rights leaders will speak at Democratic convention

Democrats on Wednesday announced a new slate of female speakers for their convention, including leaders from Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Sandra Fluke, the law student propelled into the spotlight by the Obama administration's contraception mandate, is also scheduled to speak.

The newly announced speakers are another reminder of how aggressively Democrats are working to win over women — particularly educated women — in 2012. The party has renewed that push in light of Rep. Todd Akin's (R-Mo.) controversial comments about pregnancy and "legitimate rape." 

Democrats charge that the GOP is waging a "war on women" and would roll back women's access not only to abortion, but also to contraception and other basic healthcare services. Akin's comments have given Democrats an opening to note that GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan opposes abortion rights even in cases of rape and incest.

The "war on women" narrative took hold during the contraception debate, during which Republicans said employers should not have to provide birth control in their healthcare plans if it violates their religious beliefs. Fluke was barred from testifying at a House hearing on the policy.

Democrats announced Tuesday that Fluke will speak at the party's convention in Charlotte, N.C., in two weeks, along with NARAL President Nancy Keenan and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards.

A full list of the newly announced or confirmed speakers is here.

This post was updated on August 24.

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