Former president Donald Trump He has privately told his advisers and allies that he favors a nationwide 16-week abortion ban, making exceptions only for rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk.
What happened: After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in mid-2022, Trump has been reticent to publicly state his position on abortion restrictions.
He believes openly discussing his views could alienate a significant portion of his base before he wins the Republican nomination, according to the New York Times.
Trump’s view on abortion has been consistent since his presidential bid in 2015, with a particular emphasis on a 16-week ban.
He was previously quoted as saying: “You know what I like about 16? It’s even. It’s been four months.”
The abortion issue has become a litmus test in Trump’s evaluation of potential vice presidential candidates, with a clear preference for those who support “the three exceptions.” This position is seen as a strategic move to balance the expectations of social conservatives with the broader Republican and independent voter base.
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The former president is also strategizing for South Carolina’s upcoming Republican primary, where he faces competition Nikki Haley.
South Carolina’s strict abortion laws, which ban the procedure after six weeks, are the backdrop to Trump’s political maneuvering.
Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court, which played a critical role in overturning Roe v. Wade, they’ve become a double-edged sword. While he took credit for these appointments, the political fallout of the decision pushed him to reconsider his position, aiming for a compromise that would appease both sides in the abortion debate.
Indeed, Trump’s nuanced approach to abortion reflects a broader Republican dilemma: how to address the issue in a post-Roe v. America. Wade.
Given that most abortions occur before 13 weeks, the proposed 16-week ban represents a political calculation rather than a medically informed policy.
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This content was partially produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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