NEW YORK (AP) — Mitt Romney's campaign has released a new TV ad suggesting the Republican hopeful believes abortion "should be an option" in certain cases.

The ad features a woman saying she'd heard Romney's position on abortion and birth control "seemed a bit extreme." She says she'd learned Romney doesn't oppose contraception and believes abortion should be available in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at stake.

The ad is an appeal to women voters, who polls show have widely favored President Barack Obama throughout the race. Surveys show the gap has narrowed.

Romney supported abortion rights as Massachusetts governor. He has shifted as a presidential candidate, now saying he opposes abortion except in narrow instances.

The ad was set to air in Virginia, Wisconsin and Ohio.