Marco Rubio elaborated his position on abortion this week, saying that “there’s a second person involved” and that we should always err on the side of life:

“I have said repeatedly that I understand how difficult it is, a young 15-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant and she’s scared and she has her whole future ahead of her,” the Florida senator said in an interview with theSkimm, an email newsletter. “And I don’t in any way diminish that and I do believe women have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. But in the case of a pregnancy there’s a second person involved, and that’s an unborn human being.”

Addressing a question about whether he would support allowing abortion “exceptions” for cases like rape and incest, Rubio pointed out what he believes are alternatives to abortion, such as emergency contraception like the morning after pill:

Rubio said cases of rape and incest are “horrible tragedies” and are compelling reasons why he supports emergency contraception being made available over the counter. Emergency contraception differs from abortion in that it does not end a pregnancy where the embryo is already implanted. Instead, it blocks fertilization, prevents ovulation or keeps a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle.

Rubio was careful to point out that he was discussing birth control that prevents conception from occurring, rather than more controversial abortifacients:

Rubio continued: “And luckily in the 21st century, we have treatments available early on after an incident that can prevent that fertilization from happening. And that’s why I support the morning-after pill being available over the counter and I certainly support them being made available immediately for rape victims.”

Nick Arnold is a researcher for American Principles In Action.