Former President Donald Trump, in a statement released on Truth Social, declined to endorse a federal abortion ban, instead indicating that the issue should be left up to individual states. Trump emphasized that states should determine their own laws on abortion through votes or legislation, and that the will of the people should prevail. While he expressed support for exceptions for abortion in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother, Trump did not commit to enshrining these exceptions into law. He also spread misinformation about Democrats’ stance on abortion, falsely claiming they support abortion up to and even beyond the ninth month, as well as “execution after birth.”
Anti-abortion groups, such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, have praised Trump’s “legacy of pro-life leadership” but expressed disappointment with his refusal to endorse a 15-week minimum ban on abortion nationwide. The group has previously stated that Trump’s “states-only” position is unacceptable, and they would oppose any presidential candidate who does not embrace at least a 15-week national standard. Trump has criticized fellow Republicans for their handling of the abortion issue, including Governor Ron DeSantis’ six-week state abortion ban, which he called a “terrible thing and a terrible mistake.” He has also urged Republicans to learn how to properly talk about abortion to win elections.
In March of this year, Trump indicated in a radio interview that he would support a national abortion ban around the 15-week mark, a position that he considered to be reasonable. He views the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a significant accomplishment of his first administration and thanked the Supreme Court justices for their role in this decision. The Supreme Court officially struck down the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, allowing states to immediately restrict access to abortion. Trump’s stance on abortion has been influenced by competing pressures from both Republicans and Democrats, with some in his party advocating for federal restrictions while others see the issue as a potential liability in elections.
While Trump has expressed support for exceptions in abortion cases, he has not committed to concrete actions to enshrine these exceptions into law. His refusal to endorse a federal abortion ban aligns with his belief that states should have the authority to determine their own laws on the issue. Despite pressure from anti-abortion groups to take a more definitive stance on the matter, Trump has maintained that the decision should ultimately be left to the states, reflecting his view that the will of the people should guide legislation on abortion.
