Staff Reports
The first debate of the Republican presidential primary revealed a deep division in the GOP when it comes to abortion. Martha MacCallum from Fox News, one of the debate co-moderators, asked the candidates about their plans to restrict abortion at the federal level. MacCallum pointed out that since Roe v. Wade was overruled in June 2022, Republicans have struggled to make progress on this issue.
Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and a self-proclaimed pro-life advocate, acknowledged the challenges of enacting a federal ban given the current political climate. She emphasized the need for consensus and urged Americans to humanize the situation instead of demonizing it. Haley’s personal experience with adoption and difficulties conceiving added a personal touch to her stance.
However, other Republican candidates targeted the evangelical and pro-life voters who are influential in early primary states like Iowa. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, touted his belief in a “culture of life” and criticized Democrats for their perceived extremism on abortion. While he didn’t commit to a federal ban, DeSantis promised to support the “cause of life” as both governor and president.
Debate shines spotlight on GOP abortion dividehttps://t.co/W7KpUwZv4O pic.twitter.com/VztfQGH4YK
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 25, 2023
Former Vice President Mike Pence challenged Haley’s call for consensus, arguing that a minimum standard should be established nationwide to protect unborn babies capable of feeling pain. Pence advocated for a 15-week ban, a position supported by many Americans, according to polls. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina also backed the 15-week ban, arguing against allowing late-term abortions up until the day of birth.
In contrast, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, despite signing a near-total abortion ban in his state, argued against a federal ban. Citing the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers to the states, Burgum called for leaving the decision up to individual states. Another former governor, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, expressed a similar sentiment, believing that the issue could be addressed at both the state and national levels.
Pro-life groups, such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, commended candidates who supported a 15-week national ban and criticized those who favored leaving the matter to the states. These groups stressed that the right to life should not vary based on where one lives. On the other hand, opponents of abortion limits, including former Senator Al Franken and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, expressed their disagreement with the Republican candidates’ positions on abortion.
While Planned Parenthood argued that the term “late-term abortion” is misleading, Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to legalize abortion up until birth. In 2022, Senate Republicans blocked a bill sponsored by Democrats that aimed to establish a nationwide right to abortion at any stage of pregnancy. The abortion issue promises to remain a prominent topic in discussions leading up to the presidential election.
