How restrictive remains unclear
Trump for nationwide abortion ban
March 18, 2024, 2:00 a.m
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Abortion rights were already an important issue in the last US presidential election campaign and will probably be this time too. Biden’s position is clear, but for Trump the question is sensitive. In an interview, he now advocates for a nationwide ban – but avoids being more specific.
Former US President Donald Trump spoke out in favor of a nationwide ban on abortion in a television interview. However, he avoided being more specific and did not comment on which week of pregnancy the ban should apply and what exceptions he is planning. He simply said he would make a proposal “very soon.” US President Joe Biden’s Democrats have already made abortion rights a central part of their election campaign.
Trump was asked on Fox News Sunday about a February New York Times report. Accordingly, the ex-president said in a conversation with advisors that he liked the idea of a nationwide ban on abortion from the 16th week of pregnancy. However, there should be exceptions after rape or incest, or if the pregnant woman’s health is in danger. That probably doesn’t go far enough for conservative religious supporters, which is why, according to the New York Times, Trump has so far hesitated to go public with his position.
Topic with mobilization potential
President Biden and his Democratic Party are hoping to score points with female voters in the presidential and congressional elections in November with their support for abortion rights. Biden and the Democrats had already been able to develop mobilization power on this issue in the congressional elections in November 2022 after the majority conservative Supreme Court repealed the nationwide right to abortion.
The Supreme Court gave states the power to set their own abortion laws. Around 20 states governed by conservative Republicans have now enacted draconian laws against abortion. As a result, many women who want to terminate a pregnancy travel to other states, such as Minnesota, where abortion is legal.
For Trump, however, abortion rights are a difficult issue because it could potentially cost him important votes from female voters. The right-wing populist enjoys strong support among conservative evangelical groups that vehemently reject abortion.