McCain's extreme stand on abortion and contraception

I'll confess I skipped the forum on faith that represented the first general election meeting between Obama and McCain. Questions of faith have become so ritualized in our political system that I didn't expect any major revelations. McCain, however, provided one when asked about the abortion issue:

McCain won a roar of approval when Warren asked him at what point a human being gets human rights: "At the moment of conception," McCain replied.

Now, that McCain opposes abortion is not a surprise, although polls show many voters are still unaware of it. This, however, is a much more extreme stance that could result in banning many forms of contraception. It also raises a whole raft of legal questions. It's hard to see how in-vitro fertilization could be legal, for example; surely if embryos have human rights, the rights of those that aren't implanted are being violated. There are also many activities that increase the risk of early miscarriages, including exercise and drinking beverages containing caffeine; if a woman experiences a miscarriage after engaging in one of these, is she guilty of manslaughter?

McCain's answer should firm up his support among the Republican base, but may hurt him with independents; a poll back in July found that only 45% of voters were aware of McCain's anti-abortion position. Now that he's clarified it in a big way, some of them may rethink their support.