Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) considers himself a "pro-life libertarian" and is uapologetically anti-choice. The "Life and Liberty" section of his website states: "The right of an innocent, unborn child to life is at the heart of the American ideals of liberty ... In 40 years of medical practice, I never once considered performing an abortion, nor did I ever find abortion necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman ... Many talk about being pro-life. I have taken direct action to restore protection for the unborn."
Paul has supported legislation that seeks to define life as beginning at conception (HR 1094) and which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life (HR 300); he voted to ban international family planning funding, as well as voting in support of the federal abortion ban. Stating his opposition to late-term abortion, Paul said, "As an obstetrician, I know that partial birth abortion is never a necessary medical procedure. It is a gruesome, uncivilized solution to a social problem."
However, Paul also said that he opposes restrictions on emergency contraception.
NARAL Pro-Choice America has a mixed record for Paul, ranging from 75 percent in 2005 to 0 percent in 2003.
Ron Paul does not think abortion is a privacy issue:
Dr. Ron Paul on health care issues in America:
Ron Paul discusses several pressing issues, including health care (at 1:30) and abortion (at 4:30):
