Romney: I'm more lenient on abortion

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Mitt Romney, in an interview with CBS News, tried to put distance between himself and the Republican Party platform plank on abortion.

"My position has been clear throughout this campaign," Romney said. "I'm in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and incest, and the health and life of the mother."

The Republican Party in Tampa, Fla., is poised to nominate Romney as its presidential nominee, and also is hammering out its national platform. Party officials added platform language last week calling for a constitutional amendment banning abortion, with no exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

"Recognize this is the decision that will be made by the Supreme Court," Romney told CBS. "The Democrats try and make this a political issue every four years, but this is a matter in the courts. It's been settled for some time in the courts."

Romney has been under pressure from Democrats on abortion and women's issues. President Obama said Saturday that if Romney becomes president, he would not "stand in the way" if Congress attempts to strip women of reproductive rights.

CBS said more of the Romney interview will air during the convention, which runs Tuesday through Thursday.