Protests over Obama’s support for abortion rights

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama joined commencement ceremonies yesterday at North America’s leading Catholic university – amid protests over his support of abortion rights and stem cell research.

Obama, wearing the blue gown of the University of Notre Dame, received a lengthy ovation from students and spectators when he walked onto the stage to deliver a speech expected to touch on the debate that has roiled the campus for weeks. In recent days, protests over his appearance and the honorary degree to be conferred on him built to the point that police arrested 19 demonstrators on Saturday and at least another five yesterday.

Those arrested included Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as “Roe” in the Roe v Wade case that led to the Supreme Court decision legalising abortion. She has since opposed abortion and was part of a 200-person protest at the university’s gate.