Pro-life leaders have criticized former President Donald Trump for his comments rejecting proposals for a national abortion limit at 15 weeks and calling some state abortion bans “terrible.” During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump declined to specify what federal legislation he would sign on abortion if he were to return to the White House. He criticized six-week abortion bans, including one signed by a primary rival. When asked if he would sign federal legislation banning abortion at 15 weeks, Trump replied, “No.” He stated that he would negotiate with both sides to find a solution that is acceptable. Trump referred to his Republican primary rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis, as “DeSanctus” and criticized DeSantis for signing a six-week ban. Pro-life leaders expressed concern over Trump’s comments, with former Vice President Mike Pence calling them “extremely worrying.” The group Advancing American Freedom, founded by Pence, also criticized Trump’s remarks. The SBA Pro-Life America group said that Trump was criticizing a law and lawmaker that acted in accordance with the will of the people. The group called on the eventual Republican presidential nominee to support federal legislation limiting elective abortions to 15 weeks. Some pro-life advocates credit Trump for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, while others question his sincerity on abortion. Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, founder and president of New Wave Feminists, stated that for Trump, the pro-life cause was always a business deal. Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life, argued that the debate over a national abortion limitation law detracts from the accomplishments of the pro-life community in providing alternatives to abortion. She stated that it is not the time for a national heartbeat law and that there are not enough votes to pass a federal one. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also expressed that a national abortion ban is not realistic and called for reframing the debate on abortion based on real experiences.
