Rick Perry’s Wife May Disagree On Abortion Laws
Rick Perry’s wife may disagree with him on abortion laws. Anita Perry, wife of the Texas Republican governor, stated on Saturday that abortion “could be a woman’s right.”
Anita Perry made the comments at the 2013 Texas Tribune Festival when pressed by the paper’s Evan Smith to talk about women’s rights.
The Huffington Post reports that the First Lady of Texas told Smith, “That’s really difficult for me, Evan, because I see it as a women’s right. If they want to do that, that is their decision; they have to live with that decision.”
Smith asked for clarification from Perry, saying, “I want to be sure you didn’t just inadvertently make news. Are you saying that you believe abortion is a women’s right, to make that choice?”
Anita Perry confirmed her position on the issue, explaining, “Yeah, that could be a women’s right. Just like it’s a man’s right if he wants to have some kind of procedure. But I don’t agree with it, and that’s not my view.”
Her husband, Governor Rick Perry, is outspoken against abortion and signed new restrictions on the procedure earlier this year to ban abortions after 20 weeks gestation. The recent comments weren’t the first time Rick Perry’s wife’s abortion views were questioned.
Reuters reported in 2011 that Rick Perry’s views on abortion were in contrast with a sexual abuse organization supported by Anita. The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) supports abortion rights. Anita Perry was hired by the organization to use her fundraising skill. She tripled donations in one year.
Perry’s spokesman at the time, Ray Sullivan, stated that Anita and Rick Perry oppose abortion. Sullivan didn’t comment on whether Anita shared her husband’s opposition to abortion cases involving incest or rape. Sullivan explained, “Like most Americans, they would rather not see any babies aborted. Both Perrys believe families should have the option [of abortion] when a woman’s life is in danger.”
While Rick Perry’s wife may consider abortion a women’s right, she made it clear she still disagrees with the procedure.
[Image via Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com]
