Candidate fact check: Where Dold, Seals stand on abortion

Despite repeatedly saying he believes in a woman's right to have an abortion, Republican congressional candidate Robert Dold continues to be criticized on the issue.

Not all of the pressure is coming from Dan Seals, Dold's Democratic opponent in the suburban 10th District race. Some of the heat is coming from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a national organization that backs Democratic candidates for the U.S. House.

CLAIM:: In a recent political mailing sent to 10th District voters, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said “We can't trust Bob Dold because an anti-abortion group called the Illinois Federation for Right to Life recommended Dold during February's Republican Party primary. The flier features a police officer putting a seat belt on a woman in the back of a squad car, as well as a photograph of empty prison cells.

THE FACTS:: The Right-to-Life group did recommend Dold during the primary, but on its website the group also said Dold “is not considered a pro-life candidate.

DOLD:: At public debates and in interviews, Dold has supported a woman's right to choose while listing a few exceptions. He opposes government funding for abortion, opposes late-term abortions and supports parental notification for minors seeking abortions.

“I believe I'm the moderate and have the moderate approach to this, Dold told the Daily Herald editorial board last month.

SEALS: Seals favors abortion rights without restrictions. He is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and NARAL Pro-Choice America, two national abortion-rights groups.

Seals has touted an endorsement from Planned Parenthood calling him the only pro-choice candidate in the race.