Pro-lifers blame Republican waffling on abortion for red-wave fizzle

The abortion issue was credited with helping shield Democrats from a red tide in Tuesday’s midterm elections, but as far as pro-life leaders were concerned, the Republican fizzle was self-inflicted.

Both sides in the abortion debate were poring over the final returns and the Republican gains that were far less than expected. Pro-choice groups were cheering a string of wins in state referendums on abortion rights, including an unexpected victory in conservative Kentucky.

Pro-life groups were toting up the list of Republican candidates who won their races after taking strong...