Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced during a campaign rally that he will support the abortion ban in the state of Florida. Speaking to his supporters in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Trump declared his opposition to an amendment that would repeal Florida's abortion prohibition after six weeks of pregnancy, as reported by the EFE news agency.
"Six weeks is necessary. (...) But at the same time, Democrats are radical, (...) so I will vote no for that (final) reason," the Republican presidential contender stated.
Trump urged voters in Florida to head to the polls on November 5th. In addition to selecting the country's next president, voters will also decide on a referendum to remove the six-week abortion ban imposed by his own party.
According to data from the Guttmacher Institute, a private organization advocating for abortion rights, there were approximately 7,000 abortions per month in Florida in 2023. This figure represents one out of every three abortions performed in the southern region of the U.S.
Florida has become a destination for women from other states seeking to terminate their pregnancies. For instance, neighboring Georgia and nearby South Carolina have banned the procedure.
What's notable is Trump's shift in stance. Until recently, he supported banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, albeit with exceptions. "We’re going to set a moment, and maybe we can bring the country together on this issue," he said in an interview on the "Sid & Friends in the Morning" radio show on WABC.
Regarding Trump's recent statements, U.S. Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris expressed criticism. "Trump has made his position on abortion crystal clear: he will vote to maintain an extreme ban that applies even before many women know they are pregnant," she stated in a written declaration released by her campaign.
Trump's Stance on Florida's Abortion Ban: Key Questions Answered
As Trump announces his support for Florida's abortion ban, many voters have questions about the implications and specifics of this stance. Here are some key questions and answers to provide more clarity.
Why is Trump supporting Florida's six-week abortion ban?
Trump believes that a six-week limit is necessary and criticizes Democrats for their radical stance on abortion. He has stated that he will vote against repealing the six-week ban for this reason.
How does Florida's abortion ban compare to other states?
Florida's six-week abortion ban is one of the strictest in the southern U.S., making it a destination for women from neighboring states like Georgia and South Carolina, which have even more restrictive laws.
What has been the reaction to Trump's change in stance on abortion?
Trump's shift from supporting a 15-week ban to endorsing a six-week ban has drawn criticism, particularly from Vice President Kamala Harris, who calls it an extreme measure that affects many women before they even know they are pregnant.