McCain replied, “Father I always quote that we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with the inalienable rights, among them are life, and that applies to the born as well as the unborn… and I believe it is a human right, as you said. And that’s why I’ve struggled for human rights all over the world…”
When asked how often he would raise the issue of protecting the unborn from abortion as a human rights issue, the senator said, “…of course I would speak out for them because I think that one of the enduring legacies and obligations of the United States of America is to continue to be a beacon of hope and freedom and that means advocacy for human rights.”
John McCain also mentioned who he would look to for advice on pro-life issues. “I would surround myself with people, in particular with Sam Brownback and Frank Keating, people who will provide me with the moral and spiritual guidance on this issue and other issues….”
One pro-life issue that Sen. McCain is at odds with Catholic teaching about is his position on embryonic stem cell research. John Jakubczyk, a pro-life leader from Arizona, asked the presidential candidate if the latest breakthrough in stem cell research would mean that he might change his stance from being in favor of embryonic research to being against it.
McCain responded that he is excited by and very interested in the latest research breakthroughs, but that “I’m not there yet on changing that position for a couple reasons: one, I don’t think it’s totally been proven yet and second of all, there’s always the flip-flop aspect of this issue”.
Immigration
Sen. McCain also sees his policy on immigration as an issue of human rights and security. Acknowledging that his efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform had failed, the presidential candidate said that he will focus on securing America’s border first, before pursuing more comprehensive reforms.