Fluke: It's 'probably fair' to say some waging a war on me personally - The Hill (blog)

"I talk to women across the country, they really do feel like this is a shift," said Sandra Fluke.

Sandra Fluke, who rose to national prominence when she was attacked by Rush Limbaugh following her testimony in favor of increased contraception access, said Wednesday that many women personally feel "they're under attack" from GOP policies.

"When you look at the facts, quantitatively, there have been a record number of bills in the House to limit reproductive health. ... Women feel that. I talk to women across the country, they really do feel like this is a shift, and not in their favor," Fluke said on CNN's "Starting Point."

Democrats have charged Republicans with waging a "war on women" on health issues, fighting back against efforts to limit the Obama administration's birth-control mandate and GOP opposition to abortion rights.

The former Georgetown Law student said it was "fair" to say critics were waging a war on her personally.

"Certainly you've been under attack, so it's certainly fair to say there has been a war on you from some people," asked CNN host Soledad O'Brien.

"That's probably fair," responded Fluke.

Fluke is slated to speak Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Previewing her speech, Fluke said she would look to draw the distinction between President Obama's record on women's issues and that of his Republican opponents, presidential nominee Mitt Romney and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.

"Talk about what kind of policies for women Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan have stood for, and what the president has stood for on issues like fair pay, access to reproductive healthcare, violence on women," Fluke said.

Fluke also defended a campaign email she sent tying the GOP ticket to the controversial comments of Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.). Akin came under fire for telling a local television station that women's bodies could prevent pregnancy in instances of "legitimate rape."

Although Romney and Ryan have called for Akin to abandon his bid for the Senate, Fluke said Ryan had co-sponsored abortion legislation with Akin in the House, and Romney's record on the issue was muddled.

"There really are a lot of ties and connections between those beliefs," said Fluke.

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