In his speech, the president indicated he may be willing to cede some ground in the ongoing political battle over abortion, calling for a "sensible conscience clause" to be included in any potential new freedom of choice legislation, so that doctors and nurses who oppose abortions cannot be forced to perform them.

VOA: standard.2009.05.17

He also endorsed the drafting of a "sensible conscience clause" to "honor the conscience" of doctors and other medical workers opposed to abortion.

CNN: Obama calls for 'common ground' on abortion at Notre Dame