Mitt Romney said he is “proud” of the health care plan he signed into law as governor of Massachusetts, and cited it as evidence that would protect women’s health as President in an interview on Fox News Sunday.
“I’m the guy who was able to get health care for all the women and men in my state,” Romney said, adding that he, “did it without cutting Medicare and without raising taxes.”
The comment came in reply to a question about the controversy unleashed by Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., who suggested last week that women were unlikely to become pregnant as a consequence of rape. Romney took the opportunity to again condemn Akin’s remarks, and criticize the Democrat’s attempts to suggest his views were representative of the Republican party as whole.
“The leaders of our party have unanimously said, ‘Mr. Akin, get out of the race,’” Romney said.
Romney also affirmed the right of women to use contraception, and said that allegations that his administration would look to block such access were unfounded.
In a separate interview, taped with his wife, Ann Romney, at his side, the candidate recommitted to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood. While in the past the Romneys have donated money to the organization, Mitt Romney drew a distinction between personal support and government support. Because Planned Parenthood is a “major provider of abortions,” it shouldn't receive federal funds, Romney said.
On the issue of his personal tax returns, Mitt Romney repeated the line that he enjoyed “no tax savings” by virtue of having investment accounts based in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland.
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