Former President Donald Trump on Monday declined to endorse a federal abortion ban, stating that the issue should be decided by individual states rather than at a national level, despite pressure from anti-abortion groups urging him to support a nationwide restriction.
Trump has been sending conflicting signals on the issue for several months, wavering between supporting a broader abortion ban and acknowledging the challenges it poses for both Republicans and Democrats. While some within his party have been vocal in their support for federal restrictions, Trump has expressed concerns about the political implications of the issue and has taken credit for the Supreme Court decision that overturned the constitutional right to abortion.
On the other hand, President Biden and Democrats have made abortion rights a key issue in the election.
In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump stated, “My view is that, since abortion is already legal, each state should decide through voting or legislation, and whatever they decide should be the law within that state.” He emphasized that the decision should reflect the will of the people and encouraged individuals to follow their beliefs and make choices that align with their values.
While Trump reiterated his support for exceptions to abortion laws across the country, he did not commit to enshrining those exceptions into law in his statement.
Trump expressed his support for exceptions for rape, incest, and cases where the life of the mother is at risk, noting that individuals should make decisions based on their personal beliefs. However, he continued to spread misinformation on the issue, accusing Democrats of supporting extreme abortion practices.
As the GOP navigates the aftermath of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling on IVF, Trump emphasized his support for the availability of IVF for couples trying to conceive.
Despite pressure from anti-abortion groups, Trump has maintained his position on abortion, prompting criticism from organizations like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. The group commended Trump’s pro-life leadership but expressed disappointment with his stance on abortion, particularly his insistence on leaving the issue to the states.
In various interviews and public statements, Trump has criticized fellow Republicans for their handling of the abortion issue, emphasizing the importance of addressing it effectively in order to secure victories in future elections.
In a radio interview in March, Trump hinted at supporting a national abortion ban around the 15-week mark, citing it as a reasonable compromise. He has frequently touted the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a major achievement of his presidency.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to restrict access to abortion, Trump thanked the justices for their role in the outcome.
