Former President Donald Trump’s position on abortion has been a rollercoaster ride over the past quarter-century, with his views shifting from pro-choice to pro-life and everywhere in between as the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s stance on this divisive issue is once again under scrutiny.
From Pro-Choice to Pro-Life
In a 1999 interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump declared, “I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I listen to people debating the subject. But you still – I just believe in choice.”
However, by the time he ran for president in 2016, Trump had firmly positioned himself as pro-life, citing a friend’s experience as the reason for his change of heart.
Conflicting Views and Controversial Statements
During his 2016 campaign, Trump expressed conflicting views on abortion. He suggested that there should be punishment for women who obtain abortions if the procedure is made illegal.
A statement he later walked back. Trump also pledged to defund Planned Parenthood while acknowledging the organization’s role in helping women with non-pregnancy-related health issues.
Appointing Conservative Justices and Overturning Roe v. Wade
Throughout his presidency, Trump appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
In June 2022, when the landmark decision was reversed, Trump took credit, stating, “I delivered everything as promised.
“He even suggested that divine intervention played a role, saying, “God made the decision.”
Shifting Blame and Seeking Compromise
Following Republican losses in the 2022 midterms, which many attributed to the party’s handling of the abortion issue, Trump blamed the “abortion issue, poorly handled by many Republicans.
“For the disappointing results. He then hinted at seeking a compromise, telling NBC News in September 2023, “I’m going to come together with all groups, and we’re going to have something that’s acceptable.”
States’ Rights and Avoiding a Federal Ban
In April 2024, despite previously flirting with the idea of a national abortion ban.
Trump released a video statement saying that the issue should be left to the states.
He declared, “My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land.
“ This stance disappointed some anti-abortion allies who had hoped for a more aggressive federal approach. As the 2024 election draws near, Trump’s position on abortion remains a central focus for both his supporters and detractors. While his views have shifted numerous times over the past 25 years, it is clear that the issue will continue to play a significant role in his political career and the national discourse surrounding reproductive rights.