Mitt Romney vowed he would govern as a "pro-life president" after telling an Iowa newspaper on Tuesday that he wouldn't seek legislation affecting access to abortion.

The Republican presidential nominee, speaking to reporters during a stop Wednesday afternoon in Ohio, said he would act immediately as president to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood and reinstate the so-called "Mexico City Policy," which prohibits the use of federal funds for promoting of performing abortions abroad.

Slideshow: On the campaign trail

The latest national poll suggests GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney has gained ground with women voters, something his campaign is hoping to build on. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

"I think I've said time and again. I'm a pro-life candidate. I'll be a pro-life president," Romney said. "The actions I'll take immediately are to remove funding for Planned Parenthood. It will not be part of my budget. And also I've indicated I'll reverse the Mexico City position of the president. I will reinstate the Mexico City policy."

RELATED: Obama team says Romney 'trying to cover up' views on abortion

Romney told the editorial board of the Des Moines Register that he has "no legislation with regards to abortion that I’m familiar with that would become part of my agenda."

His campaign subsequently said Romney would "of course support legislation aimed at providing greater protections for life," prompting the Obama campaign to pounce, and accuse their Republican opponent of obfuscating his true position on abortion rights.

"We're not saying that he's changed his mind on these issues, we're saying he's trying to cover up his beliefs," Obama campaign deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter said in a Wednesday conference call.