Former President Donald Trump’s recent comments on abortion have sparked division within the Republican party and his shifting positions on abortion bans have left many in the GOP confused.
Challenges in the GOP
Former President Donald Trump finds himself in the midst of a debate within the Republican party regarding abortion and the divide highlights the challenges the GOP has faced since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last summer.
Against the Ban
Trump recently made comments against abortion bans after six weeks of pregnancy and suggested his willingness to work with both sides on a federal ban.
These comments have since drawn criticism from some antiabortion activists and conservative governors.
The Loudest Critics
Among Trump’s critics is his top contender in the Republican presidential primary, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. both of whom signed state laws that set much stricter limits on abortions.
Shifting Stances
The crux of the issue revolves around Trump’s shifting stance on abortion. While he takes credit for overturning Roe v. Wade, his statements have left many confused.
Trump has refrained from specifying whether he supports state or federal abortion bans, causing uncertainty among antiabortion advocates.
A Terrible Thing
Trump even referred to the six-week abortion ban enacted in Florida by DeSantis as a “terrible thing” and criticized Republicans for their inarticulate approach to the issue.
Standing Up for Life
This criticism has not only come from anti-abortion activists but also from some fellow Republican governors, like Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who commented, “There’s nothing ‘terrible’ about standing up for life.”
The Pushback
Last year’s Supreme Court ruling allowed states such as Florida, Iowa, and Georgia to attempt to implement abortion bans.
While these bans have faced legal challenges, they have made abortion rights advocates turn out at the polls in conservative states, resulting in success for Democrats who championed protecting abortion access.
Lacking Consensus
The lack of consensus on a federal abortion ban within the GOP field is evident. DeSantis has avoided a direct stance on nationwide restrictions, while former Vice President Mike Pence has advocated for a complete ban on abortion in all states.
An Opportunity for Trump’s Opponents
It remains to be seen how Trump’s shifting stance will impact his standing in the Republican race. While he holds a commanding lead, his recent comments have given primary opponents an opportunity to distinguish themselves from him in the eyes of conservative voters.
Changing Views
Trump’s views on abortion have evolved significantly over the years. In 1999, he described himself as “very pro-choice” but expressed personal dislike for abortion, and by 2011, he declared himself “pro-life.”
During his 2016 presidential campaign, he made controversial remarks about punishing women who get abortions, only to backtrack on this stance.
Trump’s Promise in Office
Trump won over conservative voters by promising to appoint antiabortion judges to the Supreme Court, and he followed through by nominating three justices who voted to overturn Roe.
Extreme Views Leading To Loses
Despite his past commitments, Trump now suggests that Republicans should approach the abortion issue more delicately, acknowledging that extreme positions may have contributed to GOP losses in the midterms.
15 Weeks at Least
While a federal abortion ban is unlikely to pass Congress, some antiabortion groups demand that GOP presidential hopefuls clarify their stance on federal restrictions.
A large anti-abortion group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said they will only endorse candidates who support a 15-week abortion ban at least, a position Trump has yet to adopt.
Public Response
In response to Trump’s comments and the backlash they have received, some conservatives feel like Trump is turning his back on the people who gave him his presidency and liberals simply don’t trust him.
Part of the Right
One social media user commented, “You are not part of the right or conservative or republican (party) if you believe in abortion! Plain and simple!”
Nothing to Do With His Beliefs
However, another user said, “Trump makes it so clear that his stance on abortion has nothing to do with his beliefs. It’s all about adjusting his stance in order to appeal to enough people to win an election.”
He’s Desperate
In that same vein, another user said, “He’s desperate, he’ll say whatever at that moment hoping to endear himself to anyone by talking out of both sides of his mouth and other areas.”
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The post “Not Part of the Republican Party” – Fierce Backlash to Trump’s Stance on Abortion Loses Him Favor From the Right first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
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