Trump Reportedly Favors 16-Week Abortion Ban, Sparks Action from Biden and Pro-Choice Advocates

Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump greets his supporters at a “Commit to Caucus” rally in Newton, Iowa on January 6, 2024. (Photo by Christian MONTERROSA / AFP)

Abortion rights groups and President Joe Biden’s campaign launched a fierce critique against former President Donald Trump, following revelations of his private backing for a national abortion ban after 16 weeks, with certain exceptions. 

Secret Stance on Abortion?

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While Donald Trump kept mum publicly during his campaign, he’s said to have privately endorsed the idea, as reported by The New York Times.

16-Week Abortion Limit

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A source close to the discussions informed NBC News that Trump has considered supporting abortion rights up to 16 weeks, though another source warned he hasn’t finalized a stance on a federal ban

Campaign Dismisses Abortion Reports

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The Trump campaign slammed any contrary reports as ‘fake news,’ stating Trump intends to negotiate a deal acceptable to all parties. 

A Political Opportunity for Biden

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In response, the Biden campaign and pro-choice groups have capitalized on this uncertainty, organizing a press call to depict Trump as a risky and extreme candidate for the upcoming election.

Dangers of Overturning Roe v. Wade

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In a detailed statement, Biden discussed the consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade, highlighting the enactment of strict anti-abortion laws in conservative states. He accused Trump of stripping women’s freedoms and endangering their lives.

‘Trump Running Scared’

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“Now, after being the one responsible for taking away women’s freedom, after being the one to put women’s lives in danger, after being the one who has unleashed all this cruelty and chaos all across America, Trump is running scared. He’s afraid the women of America are going to hold him responsible for taking away their rights and endangering their rights at the ballot box in November,” Biden stated. 

Biden’s Promise

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The President further added, “The choice is very simple. Kamala and I will restore Roe v. Wade and make it once again the law of the land. Donald Trump will ban abortion nationwide.”

Who Handles Abortion Better?

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A recent NBC News poll showed that 44% of registered voters believe Biden would handle abortion issues better than Trump, who garnered 32% support. 

GOP’s Strict Abortion Laws

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Trump, responsible for appointing three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, attributes GOP losses to strict abortion bans. 

All Abortion Bans ‘Radical’

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On a Biden campaign call, Mini Timmaraju of Reproductive Freedom for All argued that all abortion bans are ‘radical,’ pointing out the impracticality and difficulty in enforcing exceptions in states with harsh bans.

Trump Seeks Middle Ground

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In a 2023 ‘Meet the Press’ interview on NBC, former President Donald Trump avoided a definitive stance on abortion rights, instead expressing a desire to mediate between conflicting views.

‘I think both sides are going to like me,’ Trump stated. 

Finding Balance

Comparing, Scale, Balls,
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The interview, conducted by new moderator Kristen Welker, revealed Trump’s attempt to find a middle ground on a topic that has been challenging for Republicans since Roe v. Wade’s overturning. 

Ambiguous Stance

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Trump remained noncommittal on setting a specific time limit for legal abortions, leaving open whether it should be a state or federal decision. ‘We’re going to agree to a number of weeks or months,’ he stated then, emphasizing a bipartisan agreement to resolve this issue. 

Vague Response

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When pressed by Kristen Welker on whether this agreement would be at the federal level, Trump responded ambiguously, stating it ‘could be state, or it could be federal,’ and expressed indifference to the level of governance.

A Complex Issue for Trump

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Abortion remains a challenging topic for both Donald Trump and the broader Republican Party. Trump’s role in nominating justices who overturned Roe v. Wade — a decision that initially protected abortions up to 24 weeks — has been particularly significant. 

Roe v. Wade Reversal

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The reversal triggered intense activism from pro-choice advocates and was a pivotal factor in Democratic victories in swing states. Additionally, several anti-abortion measures were defeated in ballots, even in traditionally conservative states. 

Trump’s Frustration

Republican presidential hopeful and former US President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Laconia, New Hampshire, January 22, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
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Trump has expressed frustration with how some Republicans address abortion, especially those against exceptions for incest and rape, hinting that a moderate position might be more electorally viable.

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