Perry shifts views on abortion, opposes exceptions

[December 28, 2011]  OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) -- Republican Rick Perry is shifting his opposition to abortion, saying he opposes it even after rape or incest.

Perry on Tuesday told potential caucus-goers in Iowa that he has changed his mind.

Previously, he believed abortion was acceptable in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is at risk. Now, he says abortion in all forms should be prohibited.

Perry told a pastor who asked him about his views that, in his words, "you're seeing a transformation."

Perry says he recently watched former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's documentary about abortion. He says he met a woman in the film and that she told him she was the result of rape and that her life has worth.

Perry says that encounter led him to rethink his position.

[Associated Press; By PHILIP ELLIOTT]

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