Speech on Abortion Sought by Gov. Casey

Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey, who has urged the Democratic Party to modify its stance on abortion rights, has asked party Chairman Ronald H. Brown for a chance to speak to the convention on the issue, his office said Monday.

“The platform draft which I have seen has the effect, in my opinion, of placing the national party even more squarely within the abortion-on-demand camp,” Casey wrote. “I believe this is a serious mistake for the party and would like the opportunity to present this point of view, shared by many Democrats, to the convention.”

The party platform was hammered out by a committee last month. It is expected to be ratified at the convention, which begins next Monday.

Casey opposes abortion and backs his state’s law placing limits on abortion rights. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld most of the law’s restrictions last week.