Trump Confidentially Backs a 16-Week Abortion Prohibition
TL/DR –
Former President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in a 16-week national abortion ban with exceptions for cases of rape or incest, or to protect the life of the mother. Mr. Trump’s views on abortion have been largely private since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, however he believes that the decision has led to Republican losses in congressional races. It’s suggested that a 16-week abortion ban would be a political compromise, satisfying both social conservatives and other voters who want more modest abortion limits.
Former President Trump Considers 16-Week National Abortion Ban
According to sources, former President Donald Trump is considering the endorsement of a 16-week national abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Trump has not taken a firm stance on abortion restrictions. He has voiced his intention to delay his public stance until after the Republican primary to avoid alienating social conservatives.
When discussing potential vice-presidents, Trump probes their stance on abortion and is dismissive of those not supporting the three exceptions. He believes that without these exceptions, Republicans risk losing elections. He plans to challenge his remaining primary rival Nikki Haley in the South Carolina Republican primary on Feb. 24, a state with strict abortion laws introduced in 2023.
Trump has voiced worries about the political implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, attributing several Republican losses in congressional races to this issue. Despite this criticism, he has publicly taken credit for appointing the three justices who enabled this decision. With the proposed 16-week ban, Trump hopes to satisfy both social conservatives and voters who desire more moderate limitations on the procedure.
The proposed 16-week ban would affect abortion rights in the remaining 30 states where it is legal beyond that point. The topic of exceptions related to the life of the mother is controversial. In Texas, for example, state courts have not fully allowed for these exceptions in cases where women faced severe diagnoses and their future health and fertility were at risk.
Trump, who was previously pro-choice, announced his anti-abortion stance in 2011. Despite this, he has often appeared uncomfortable discussing the issue publicly. He has fulfilled his promise to implement anti-abortion policies and select conservative justices, forming strong ties with evangelical voters.
Advocates for anti-abortion policies are now focusing on the concept of a national ban, with a 15-week federal abortion ban as a baseline. According to AP/NORC polling data, a slim majority disapprove of a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Some Republicans believe this is the most politically palatable position.
Trump’s ally, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, proposed a 15-week abortion ban in 2022, but Trump did not endorse it. Instead, he insisted that the decision should be left up to the states. Despite some backlash from anti-abortion groups, Trump was able to appease their leaders after meetings with Graham and other key figures.
There are signs that a national ban may be unpopular with independent voters, making it potentially risky for Trump. Despite this, Trump has avoided answering the question of whether he supports a national ban in the current Republican nominating contest. He speaks about abortion as though it’s a negotiation and credits himself with giving “great negotiating power” to anti-abortion activists.
Despite receiving criticism from his Republican rival Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida for attacking the state’s six-week abortion ban, conservative voters supported Trump, leading him to a record-margin victory in Iowa. Encouraged by the lack of blowback, Trump has shifted blame for the party’s election losses on hard-line Republicans who do not allow for sufficient exceptions.
Trump aims to turn the issue of abortion into a positive by highlighting the Democrats’ support of late-term abortions, which, though rare, are unpalatable to a significant number of Americans.
—
Read More US Political News