The Pope put out a message to Catholic politicians this week, warning them that if they back abortion rights they risk excommunication from the church and should not be allowed to receive communion:

The Pope was asked whether he supported Mexican Church leaders threatening to excommunicate leftist parliamentarians who last month voted to legalize abortion in Mexico City...

"They (Mexican Church leaders) did nothing new, surprising or arbitrary. They simply announced publicly what is contained in the law of the Church... which expresses our appreciation for life and that human individuality, human personality is present from the first moment (of life)."

We probably all remember this topic coming up during John Kerry's 2004 campaign:

During the 2004 presidential election, the U.S. Catholic community was split over whether to support Democratic candidate John Kerry, himself a Catholic who backed abortion rights.

Some Catholics say they personally would not have an abortion but feel obliged to support a woman's right to choose.

But the Church, which teaches that life begins at the moment of conception and that abortion is murder, says Catholics cannot have it both ways.

"The Church says life is beautiful, it is not something to doubt but it is a gift even when it is lived in difficult circumstances. It is always a gift," the Pope said.

I believe that on a personal level, each Catholic has the responsibility to search inside themselves for the answer on controversial topics, including abortion. I reject the idea that just because someone doesn't agree with a stance of the Catholic Church's policies, they should leave the church.  I have been guilty of saying things like that myself, to people I love, and I regret those words.

However, as a Catholic politician or candidate who is also pro-choice, perhaps you are opening yourself up to scrutiny on this issue, including public comment from Church leaders.

Are Catholic politicians who support abortion rights are trying to 'have it both ways'?