Trump touts Roe v. Wade reversal, supports states’ abortion laws

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump clarified his stance on abortion Monday morning with a video statement that drew a mixed response from pro-life groups. The former president supported state-level policies protecting unborn babies, saying states will have different policies. He touted his record on abortion as former president of the United States but did not voice support for a federal law protecting the unborn. Trump said he was in favor of exceptions allowing abortion if the child is a product of rape or incest or if the mother’s life is in danger. He said former President Ronald Regan supported similar exceptions.

Trump praised Alabama legislation passed in early March, shielding in vitro fertilization centers from liabilities and keeping IVF active in the state. The former president said he’s proud Roe v. Wade was overturned under his administration and thanked the six conservative justices—three of whom he had appointed—who formed the majority against it. The specifics of Trump’s position on abortion haven’t always been clear during his campaign for a second presidential term. In September, he said a Florida law protecting children from abortion after six weeks was a mistake and a terrible idea. On Monday, Trump told viewers to follow their hearts on the issue of abortion, reemphasizing the GOP’s need to win elections to restore the country’s culture.

How are people responding? Pro-life groups and notable politicians gave mixed responses to Trump’s statement:

• Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the nonprofit Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, expressed deep disappointment in Trump’s statement. She said allowing states to decide abortion laws would allow Democrats to continue enacting legislation allowing abortion throughout pregnancy.

• Aaron Baer, president of the pro-life Center for Christian Virtue in Ohio, slammed Trump for telling viewers to follow their hearts on abortion. Baer said 30,000 babies die from abortions annually in Ohio alone and called for federal leaders willing to make U.S. abortion laws at least more humane than European statutes.

• Students for Life Action saw Trump’s opinion as a step in the right direction. SFLA President Kristan Hawkins highlighted the mutual goal of supporting families and welcoming young children, saying Trump would begin restoring the family values stripped away by the Democratic Party. Hawkins added that the GOP and Trump would need more education on abortion and concerns for the IVF industry.

• Former Vice President Mike Pence called Trump’s opinion a slap in the face to everyone who supported their administration. He said the only way to win the battle for life is to speak the truth boldly, but too many politicians are willing to wash their hands of the fight.