Abortion remains a hotly debated topic among Republican and Democratic candidates in the race for the 2024 presidential nomination. With the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the federal right to abortion, candidates from both parties have expressed their stances on the issue. As the first GOP campaign debate approaches, the candidates are expected to address their views on abortion. Let’s take a closer look at where the candidates stand.
Republicans:
Donald Trump, the former president and current GOP front-runner, has often avoided taking a strong stance on abortion. Despite Republicans celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump has maintained that abortion restrictions should be left up to individual states, rather than the federal government. This position has drawn criticism from anti-abortion groups such as the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which has stated that they would not support any presidential candidate who does not support a 15-week federal abortion ban.
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has signed an abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy in his state. However, DeSantis has suggested that the issue should be decided by individual states. This position has also drawn criticism from anti-abortion groups, including the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which deems DeSantis’ position as “unacceptable” for a presidential candidate.
Mike Pence, the former vice president, supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks of pregnancy. He has also advocated for the removal of one of the widely used abortion pills from the market. While no other major presidential candidate has joined Pence’s calls, he has expressed his intention to call out Trump and DeSantis during the GOP debate for not insisting on a national abortion ban.
Tim Scott, the South Carolina senator, has long been vocal about his opposition to abortion. He has pledged to sign conservative pro-life legislation as president and has shown support for a federal ban on abortion at 12 weeks. Scott has also co-sponsored legislation that would establish a constitutional right to life from the moment of fertilization.
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has pledged to sign a federal abortion ban if elected president. However, she has not specified a time frame for when abortion should be outlawed, emphasizing the need for consensus on the issue. Haley has also stated that she would sign a 15-week federal ban, but her campaign spokesman has suggested that she may oppose an exception for non-viable pregnancies.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy biotech entrepreneur, and author, does not support a federal ban on abortion, stating that the federal government should stay out of the issue. He has voiced support for states that have passed six-week bans and has advocated for policies that encourage adoption and better child care.
Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, believes that the issue of abortion should be decided by individual states rather than the federal government. As governor, Christie vetoed state funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics.
Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, has stated that the issue of abortion should be left to the states, particularly in the absence of a Republican supermajority in Congress. During his tenure as governor, Hutchinson signed a near-total ban on abortions that did not include exceptions for rape and incest.
Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, has signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country. While he believes that the issue should be left to the states, he has indicated that he would not support a federal ban.
Larry Elder, a conservative talk radio host, opposes abortion but does not support a federal ban.
Perry Johnson, a businessman, describes himself as “pro-life” and has not ruled out banning abortion in cases of sexual assault.
Francis Suarez, the mayor of Miami, supports a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s health.
Will Hurd, the former Texas congressman, has expressed support for a 15-week federal abortion ban but does not view it as realistic for Congress to pass such a measure.
Democrats:
Joe Biden, the president, supports abortion access and has stated that he would veto a national ban on the practice. Although Biden previously supported abortion restrictions in the past, he has shifted his stance and now advocates for protecting and promoting access to abortion care.
As the 2024 presidential race continues, the issue of abortion remains a significant point of contention among candidates from both parties. The upcoming GOP debate will provide an opportunity for candidates to further clarify their positions on the matter.
Original Story at www.ny1.com – 2023-08-20 18:10:00
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