TL/DR –
The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy document reflecting former President Donald Trump’s stance towards states having control over abortion laws. This marks the first time in 40 years that the basis for a national ban has been omitted. The revised policy wording pledges the 14th Amendment’s guarantee that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process and that states are therefore free to pass laws protecting these rights.
(MILWAUKEE) — Republican National Committee Adopts Trump’s Abortion Stance
The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy document that embraces former President Donald Trump’s opposition to a federal abortion ban, instead advocating for state autonomy in the matter. This is the first time in four decades the GOP has refrained from endorsing a national ban on abortion.
The committee has endorsed the text, “We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process, thus giving states the power to legislate protections for these rights.”
SBA Pro-Life America president, Marjorie Dannenfelser, praised the committee for using the 14th Amendment to “protect unborn life” and noted that this amendment empowers Congress to enact and enforce provisions.
The platform, traditionally formulated by party activists, is seen as a statement of fundamental principles. Trump’s campaign has urged the platform drafting committee to shape a concise document that omits potentially divisive statements, targeting broader electorate appeal.
The platform committee convenes a week ahead of the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin where Trump is set to accept a third consecutive nomination for president.
The GOP’s shift in abortion policy approach comes amidst Democratic criticism of Trump’s abortion stance, highlighted as President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign emphasizes Trump’s contribution to the Supreme Court majority that overturned the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.
Despite likely disputes over the abortion statement and Trump’s foreign policy stance, Trump’s campaign aims to refocus the Republican National Committee as a campaign vessel and streamline the platform.
The Republican platform has always profited from transparency according to Tim Chapman, incoming president of Advancing American Freedom, a foundation led by Trump’s former VP Mike Pence.
Read More: How Ronald Reagan Shaped GOP’s Stance on Abortion
An AP-NORC poll conducted in 2023 found that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that abortion should be legal in most or all cases, with 60% advocating for a law guaranteeing nationwide access to legal abortion.
Biden’s campaign has criticized the GOP for hosting closed-door platform committee meetings and has reminded voters of Trump’s previous support for a 20-week abortion ban.
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Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed from Washington.
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