What are the stances of the GOP presidential candidates on abortion rights?

As the 2024 GOP presidential candidates gear up for their campaigns, the topic of abortion rights in the United States is a pressing concern.

The issue of abortion has become a primary concern for numerous voters.

After the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark case Roe v Wade (1973) was overturned last year, 21 states have implemented laws limiting abortion, from a complete prohibition to the point of fetal viability.

Though the anti-abortion stance has long been associated with the Republican Party, it’s an unpopular view with most voters. Approximately 61 per cent of adults in the US believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to Pew Research Center.

As the American population prepares for the upcoming presidential election, it is certain that voters will take into account the Republican candidate’s stance on abortion when deciding who to vote for.

This is the stance of each Republican presidential nominee on the matter.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump has never clearly expressed his position on the topic of abortion.

The former president has claimed responsibility for aiding the Supreme Court in reversing Roe v Wade by appointing three conservative judges to the bench.

In June 2022, following the decision, Mr. Trump declared it a victory and credited it to fulfilling his promises, specifically nominating and confirming three highly respected and Constitutionalist judges to the US Supreme Court.

The statement has been restated by Mr. Trump on his Truth Social social media platform and during interviews.

However, the ex-president has also expressed disapproval of six-week bans, labeling the one signed by his opponent, Governor Ron DeSantis, as “terrible.”

President Trump has additionally cautioned the Republican Party that backing a six-week prohibition could impact potential voters in a national election.

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida is against abortion.

In a previous statement to Megyn Kelly, he expressed his pride in being pro-life, but also acknowledged the importance of exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or when a woman’s life is at risk.

Mr. DeSantis has expressed these beliefs through laws in Florida by approving a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. More recently, he also signed a more restrictive ban after only six weeks.

During the first debate, Mr. DeSantis expressed his pride in signing the six-week ban when questioned about it.

It is uncertain whether or not Mr. DeSantis would endorse a national abortion restriction. When questioned during the debate, the governor of Florida evaded giving a direct response and instead stated that he would “support the sanctity of life.”

DeSantis has previously expressed disapproval of the federal government’s protection of abortion rights, calling it an “abuse of power.” He has also acknowledged that states have varying stances on restrictions for abortion.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley has adopted a moderate position on abortion by promoting a shared agreement on the subject.

The previous governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations stated that she strongly supports the right to life, but recognizes that abortion is a deeply personal matter.

Instead of addressing a nationwide prohibition, Ms. Haley suggested that Congress should seek compromise among individuals who support abortion rights and those who oppose abortion.

“Is it not possible for us to come to a consensus on banning late-term abortions? Can we not all come to an agreement on promoting adoptions? Should we not all agree that healthcare professionals who do not support abortion should not be obligated to perform them? Can we not all acknowledge the importance of access to contraception? And can we not all unite in the decision to refrain from incarcerating or sentencing a woman to death for obtaining an abortion?” stated Ms. Haley.

During the Republican debates, Ms. Haley admonished her rivals, Mike Pence and Mr. Scott, for not being truthful with the American public about the possibility of a nationwide prohibition when discussing the issue.

Ms. Haley has stated that in order for there to be a federal ban, we must acknowledge that it will require 60 votes from the Senate.

Chris Christie

Governor Chris Christie has identified as “pro-life,” although his stance on a nationwide ban has varied over the past eight years.

In 2015, Mr. Christie expressed his approval for a 20-week ban at the federal level. However, in June, the former governor of New Jersey stated in an interview with CNN that the topic of abortion should be handled by individual states.

Governor Christie stated that the topic of abortion is not addressed in the Constitution. According to the Constitution, any powers not explicitly mentioned are given back to the individual states.

I do not support the federal government’s involvement in the topic of abortion. I think individual states should have the authority to make decisions on this matter.

At the third Republican debate, Mr. Christie expressed disapproval for states, such as New Jersey, that permit late-term abortions and stressed the importance of promoting “pro-life” practices beyond birth, such as aiding teenagers and adults struggling with substance abuse.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former entrepreneur who has now entered politics, stated that he opposes abortion but does not support a nationwide ban.

During an interview on the All-In Podcast in July, Mr. Ramaswamy expressed his personal stance as being pro-life and stated that he does not endorse a federal ban on abortion.

Mr. Ramaswamy has consistently expressed his belief that abortion should be handled at the state level rather than the federal level.

Instead, he stated that he would back the pro-life movement by passing laws that promote the use of contraceptives, adoption, childcare, and accountability for men’s sexual behavior.

Asa Hutchinson

The former governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, holds anti-abortion beliefs but acknowledges exceptions in cases where a mother’s life is at risk or in instances of rape or incest.

In April, he informed CNN that he would definitely approve a federal bill protecting the right to life, as long as it included those exceptions.

Despite his statement, in 2021, Mr. Hutchinson approved a trigger bill in Arkansas that prohibits abortion except in cases where a woman’s life is at risk. The bill does not make exceptions for rape or incest.

Ryan Binkley

Ryan Binkley, a Texan pastor and entrepreneur, opposes abortion.

It is uncertain whether Mr. Binkley would endorse a federal ban on abortion, even though one of the objectives stated on his website is to safeguard the lives of the unborn.

He expressed sorrow for the countless unborn children who were lost to abortion in the previous year.

Source: the-independent.com