Last week, Texas Governor Rick Perry, a likely 2012 presidential contender, claimed that Roe V Wade should be overturned so states can pass their own laws about abortion.  After all, it’s important for states to make their own decisions.

This week, he’s changed his mind.  A federal law should overrule the states.  Assuming it’s the right law.

Via Lifenews:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has clarified his pro-life stance on abortion:  he supports a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution affording legal protection for unborn children. Last week, Perry gave a states’ rights answer when asked about his position on abortion, saying, “You either have to believe in the 10th Amendment or you don’t. You can’t believe in the 10th Amendment for a few issues and then [for] something that doesn’t suit you say, ‘We’d rather not have states decide that.’

…

Now, according to a Houston Chronicle report, Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger says the Texas governor and potential Republican presidential candidate, backs a federal amendment.

“Gov. Perry is proudly pro-life and successfully championed strong pro-life legislation in Texas including parental consent, this year’s sonogram bill and a budget that significantly defunds abortions in Texas,” she said. “The governor has long supported overturning Roe v. Wade, and would support amending the U.S. Constitution, with the backing of Congress and the states, to protect innocent life.”

So how does Perry get to justify this with his advocacy for states’ rights?  Well, according to him, since it would take 3/4ths of the states to pass a constitutional amendment, that is supporting states’ rights.