An unusually large contingent of female Republican candidates with strong pro-life views could change the political equation in the next Congress.

In California, Nevada, Delaware ,and New Hampshire, the GOP nominees for seats in the U.S. Senate are women who favor limiting abortions. All 17 women now in the Senate, including four Republicans, support Roe v. Wade.

Of the four new Republican challengers, only Christine O’Donnell in Delaware is viewed as a possible long shot six weeks out from the Nov. 2 election. Carly Fiorina in California, Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire, and Sharron Angle in Nevada are all seen to have solid prospects.

Fiorina and Ayotte say they oppose abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to a mother’s life. O’Donnell and Angle do not favor exceptions for rape and incest.

In California, Fiorina says her views derive in part from her inability to have children and in part from her mother-in-law’s decision to have her husband after she was advised to abort him.

Pro-abortion groups in California are working to discredit Fiorina’s pro-life stance, in an effort to boost Barbara Boxer, a liberal Democrat seeking her fourth term. Boxer is one of the Senate’s staunchest pro-abortion advocates.

In Nevada, Angle gave reason for her position in one interview, saying, “I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for each one of our lives and that he can intercede in all kinds of situations.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is neck and neck with Angle in the polls. Reid’s campaign is endeavoring to paint Angle’s pro-life position as extreme. Reid also opposes abortions but makes exception in cases of rape and incest.

The economy and healthcare appear to be the priorities for most voters, but polls indicate abortion is a greater priority among conservative evangelicals—a key part of the GOP base—than among the public at large.

Candidates battling for votes over the issue of abortion are present in other races across the nation, including Senate races in Wisconsin, Washington, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, and congressional races in Minnesota and South Dakota.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.