Atlanta — Donald Trump called on Arizona lawmakers to amend a law that criminalizes nearly all abortions on Wednesday, defending the overturning of Roe v. Wade that allowed states to restrict the operation.
It'll be straightened out and as you know, it's all about states' rights,” the former president told supporters and journalists in Atlanta for a fundraiser. “It'll be straightened out, and I'm sure the governor and everyone else will bring it back into reason, and that'll be done quickly.”
Though Trump has wavered on abortion rights, he picked three Supreme Court judges who overturned Roe v. Wade and terminated a legally mandated right to abortion. Trump has been on the defensive as Democrats win nationwide by campaigning on abortion rights, urging Republicans to avoid backing unpopular bans.
Trump was asked Wednesday if he would outlaw abortion nationwide if reelected. Video of his news conference shows him shaking his head and saying “No.” In a video message this week, Trump opposed a national abortion ban and said states should set boundaries. His statement infuriated religious conservatives and invigorated Biden allies who regard abortion rights as Trump's weakness.
After the state Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday allowed the enforcement of an 1864 law that bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest and allows abortions only if the mother's life is in danger, Biden was asked at a Rose Garden news conference for his message to Arizona voters.
“Elect me,” said the president. “I live in the 20th and 21st centuries. Not then.” The court's ruling changed Arizona's abortion laws. The majority judgment did not state doctors may be prosecuted under Civil War-era statute, but the court hinted it.
Trump says he's happy that his three Supreme Court nominees overturned Roe v. Wade, claiming states will have different constraints. He backs three exceptions: rape, incest, and mother-life threats. Trump told a Chick-fil-A customer in Atlanta that he would let states decide whether abortion physicians should be punished.
Biden campaign spokesman Michael Tyler claimed Trump “owns the suffering and chaos happening right now, including in Arizona, because he proudly overturned Roe” and “banning abortion every chance he gets.” Trump also said a Florida law banning abortions after six weeks “is probably maybe going to change also.” Last Monday, the California Supreme Court upheld the prohibition on most abortions after 15 weeks and cleared the way for a six-week ban.
People have wanted to end Roe v. Wade and bring it back to the states for 52 years. We did. He called it an amazing accomplishment. “Now the states have it and are releasing what they want. People's will. Florida will likely change.” Trump did not answer questions about his vote on Florida's planned constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion access to all residents. He did not specify his views on Arizona or other state limits and access.
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