December 5, 2007
BBC News
Abortion has the potential to become a big factor in the 2008 election, not least in influencing which candidate Republican voters choose to represent their party.
The issue is one that divides the nation almost down the middle.
According to a 2006 Pew Research Center poll, 51% of Americans overall believe abortion should be available in all or most cases, compared with 46% who say it should be illegal in all or most cases.
The landmark 1973 Roe v Wade Supreme Court ruling that established a constitutional right to abortion continues to face legal challenges and fuel controversy.