A major abortion-rights group on Wednesday criticized House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi over what it called "disappointing and ill-advised" remarks, the second public rift in a year with a lawmaker such organizations have long considered one of their staunchest allies in Congress.
In an interview published Wednesday in which the California Democrat defended a woman's right to abortion, Pelosi also said she does not believe in abortion on demand. The interview appeared in Roll Call, which covers Congress.
NARAL Pro-Choice America said in a written statement that with abortion rights under frequent attack by lawmakers, advocates need their supporters "to speak with a clear and strong voice."
The group said Pelosi should not use "twisted GOP talking points."
The unusual public criticism came with Republicans and conservatives trying to halt federal funds for Planned Parenthood, which provides women's health care and abortions and sometimes furnishes fetal tissue to researchers.
President Barack Obama vetoed legislation last week that would have blocked that money and weakened his health care overhaul. Abortion-rights groups are bracing for a renewed effort next year, which might succeed should the GOP win the White House and retain control of Congress in November's elections.
Last March, abortion-rights groups criticized Pelosi over a provision curbing abortions at community health centers that she agreed to include in a bipartisan compromise bill that also revamped how Medicare reimburses doctors.
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