A small but spirited group of  supporters of U.S. Sen.
Barack Obama, D-Ill., took part in a discussion Sunday in support of the
Democratic nominee’s reproductive rights and
family planning policies.

The event, part of the statewide Campaign for Change weekend tour, was
highlighted by three brief speeches from abortion rights advocates.

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum,
D-Minnesota, National Association for the Repeal
of Abortion Laws President
Nancy Keenan and “Sex and the City” actor David Eigenberg spoke at the
rally, all providing harsh words toward the record of U.S. Sen. John McCain,
R-Ariz., on reproductive rights.

“When it comes to reproductive rights, [McCain] is not a moderate, he is
not a maverick — he is wrong,” Keenan said. “No politician and no
government should be part of the decision to have an abortion.”

Keenan went on to say that access to birth control,
medically accurate sex education, family planning and abortion care should all
be kept legal and accessible to all women. She also criticized McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah
Palin, calling her stance on abortion hypocritical.

“Sarah Palin made a choice to have her baby,” Keenan said in
reference to Palin’s child with Down Syndrome. “But she should never, ever
tell other women what choices to make with their bodies. That’s the hypocrisy.
That’s wrong.”

McCollum expressed a desire to bridge the gap
between conservatives, independents and liberals on the issue of reproductive
rights.

“Don’t underestimate having conversations about reproductive rights with
independents and Republicans,” McCollum said. “It’s about reaching out,
finding a common ground.”

McCollum also said the perception that McCain was a moderate when it comes to reproductive
rights is untrue.

“I think it’s a spin,” she said. “It is very clear. He is not a
moderate when it comes to reproductive health.”

Mark Bednar, Students for McCain co-president, said McCain has a very clear record
on reproductive rights.

“Sen. McCain has a very strong pro-life profile,” Bednar said.
“In addition, he has done a good job promoting the alternatives to abortion,
such as adoption.”

Bednar added that McCain’s disagreement with Palin over abortion in cases of
rape or incest will likely not be a make-or-break issue for abortion rights
voters, saying both are receptive to new ideas.

Bednar also echoed McCollum’s belief that a common ground can be reached
between anti-abortion and abortion rights voters.

“People will disagree on when life begins, but common ground can be found
in the looking at the bigger picture and the issues that cause women to have
abortions in the first place,” Bednar said.

The event took place just three days after Cindy McCain
parted ways with her husband’s running mate on abortion, saying cases of rape
and incest should be exceptions to abortion restriction laws. Palin believes abortion
should be banned in all cases.