Former President Supports Restrictions with Caveats
Former President Donald Trump has reportedly shown support for a 16-week abortion ban in private conversations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The ban, which Trump backs, includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at risk. This update comes amidst a period of Trump’s ambiguity on the issue since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Trump’s Position on Abortion Legislation
Trump, who has refrained from publicly declaring his stance on abortion following the Supreme Court ruling, has hinted at preferring state-level regulation over a federal ban. While he criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for enacting a strict six-week abortion law, Trump did appoint three conservative Supreme Court justices who contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Trump’s Campaign Response
The Trump campaign did not refute the reports but emphasized Trump’s commitment to finding common ground on abortion. The campaign’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted Trump’s track record of appointing judges who aligned with his conservative views on the matter.
Biden’s Response to Trump’s Stance
In response to Trump’s reported position, President Joe Biden, through his reelection campaign, positioned himself as a defender of abortion rights. Biden’s statement characterized Trump’s candidacy as a threat to these rights, contrasting his own and Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign as protective of them.
