Student protesters to boycott Obama over his abortion stance

Barack Obama faces a backlash this weekend against his pro-choice views on abortion.

For the first time since taking office, the US President may face demonstrators when he arrives to give the opening address at Notre Dame university in Indiana, where he is due to receive an honorary degree.

His visit to the Catholic university on Sunday has led to a storm of criticism, with threats of a boycott from students and religious figures. The subject of abortion is one of the most contentious in the US, where pro-life supporters are among the most vocal of any pressure group. Mr Obama has been openly criticised by Catholics for his stance on abortion and stem cell research.

His position runs counter to the Catholic Church and his invitation to Notre Dame in South Bend has come under fire from many senior Catholics. The Catholic bishop of South Bend has said he will boycott the ceremony while many students due to graduate will stay away.

Bishop John D'Arcy said in a written statement: "President Obama has recently reaffirmed, and has now placed in public policy, his long-stated unwillingness to hold human life as sacred."

Mr Obama is the ninth President to deliver the commencement address to Notre Dame's graduating students but this is the first time there has been such controversy.

White House officials said the President was unlikely to make reference to the conflict when he appears before students and college staff. But aides said it could trigger a future debate and focus attention on Mr Obama's choice to replace retiring Judge David Souter in the Supreme Court.

It is thought Mr Obama wants a candidate who will uphold the landmark 1973 "Roe v Wade" judgment, which established a constitutional right to abortion. Pro-life groups have urged supporters to voice their disapproval at Notre Dame.

Security will be tight for the ceremony and Mr Obama is unlikely to see or hear any of those opposed to his visit. Andrew Chronister, a theology student, is among those who will boycott Sunday's graduation ceremony and will instead attend a prayer service for unborn babies.

"This president stands for many proabortion or pro-choice policies that are in direct conflict with my Catholic faith," Mr Chronister said. "Notre Dame has prepared me to live out my life as a Catholic, and this is one of the ways that I am doing that."

Notre Dame's commencement address is one of three the President is scheduled to give this year. He spoke at Arizona State University on Wednesday and is due to speak at the US Naval Academy in Maryland next week.