TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie, who made his stance against legalized abortion known during the campaign, has remained relatively quiet about social issues, including the debate on abortion.

But Monday, during a rally outside the Statehouse marking the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, Christie spoke to hundreds who weathered bitter temperatures, telling them "this is an issue whose time has come."

Speaking for five minutes without a coat, Christie said "every life is precious and a gift from God."

Christie discussed no changes in policy or altering the judicial system to try to undo state laws on abortions. Christie last year cut funding to women’s health clinics, most operated by Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion services. While some GOP lawmakers noted the link between Planned Parenthood and abortions, Christie stressed the decision was made to save money in a tough budget year. Democratic lawmakers blasted Christie for the decision, saying the money would not be used for abortions.

"What I encourage all of you to do is what I will continue to do, which is to speak calmly and clearly and forthrightly for the idea that this is an issue whose time has come," Christie said.

Christie told the crowd that he has not always been anti-abortion. It wasn’t until his wife Mary Pat Christie became pregnant with their daughter Sarah, who is 14, that he changed his position.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Gov. Christie tells anti-abortion activists he is on their side during Statehouse rally

• Gov. Christie to attend N.J. Right to Life rally at Statehouse

• Gov. Christie vetoes bill restoring $7.5M grant for family planning

• Gov. Christie brings social conservatism to historically blue state, experts say

• Anti-abortion group appeals for Gov. Christie to allow 'choose life' license plate

"It was at that moment that it became clear to me that being on the sidelines on that issue was not something that I could live with," Christie said. "That child is a life which deserves protection."

Christie is the first New Jersey elected governor to oppose abortion rights since Roe v. Wade. Rally organizer Marie Tasy said Christie’s presence at the rally came as no surprise to their supporters. "Everybody who attended was very happy to hear the governor speak," Tasy said.

Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), the sponsor of multiple bills dealing with women’s health funding in New Jersey, said Christie is entitled to his personal beliefs regarding a women’s right to choose, but the governor’s conservative politics and values are "inconsistent with mainstream New Jersey."

When the Governor of the State of New Jersey "espouses those personal beliefs in a public forum with an organization dedicated to overturning women’s health laws and the right to choose, he’s crossing the line from personal values to setting a foundation for public policy."

Political scientist disagree on the political ramifications of Christie reminding the moderate electorate of New Jersey that he’s against abortion.

"Chris Christie for the past year has shown everyone that he doesn’t particularly care what other people think in terms of reaction to his political decisions," said Rider University political science professor Ben Dworkin.

Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University, said by publicly addressing an issue Christie has otherwise avoided, the governor could be reaffirming his national political aspirations.

Christie has denied repeatedly that he will seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012, but he had side-stepped talking of being a vice presidential candidate or running in 2016.

"The only reason he would insert himself in that issue is to attract the attention of national constituencies," Harrison said.