Illinois anti-abortion group wary of Trump's comments on reproductive rights

[September 04, 2024]  By Catrina Peterson | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump's latest abortion messaging has caused an Illinois anti-abortion group to call him 'not the best candidate.'

Trump posted to Truth Social: "My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights." In an interview that aired Sunday, his running mate told NBC News Trump would veto a federal abortion ban. Davis Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, said the organization is disappointed that Trump has compromised his abortion position.

"[Donald Trump] is actually trying to ‘woo’ pro-abortion cheerleaders to his side and in the process of him doing this he is depressing his base turnout. There are people in the pro-life movement who wanted to vote for Donald and now are questioning how they’re going to vote in this election,” said Smith.

At the Democratic National Convention Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said Donald Trump has threatened to implement a national abortion ban.

“The reason why this is a national issue is because even though we are an oasis here in Illinois, think about all of the women who can’t get to Illinois,” said Stratton. “We need to make sure there is no national abortion ban and Donald Trump has threatened to do just that.”

In an April Truth Social post, Donald Trump said abortion legislation should be left to the states. Other Republicans like Lindsey Graham have pushed for a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Amidst conversations about former President Donald Trump’s position on a national abortion ban, Illinois Family Action, a non-profit and lobbying organization based in Tinley Park, hasn’t made the decision to endorse Trump yet.

Former President Donald Trump spoke about his economic plans in Asheville, N.C., on Aug. 14, 2024. - Donald J. Trump | Facebook

IFA’s Smith said he knows Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, are much more radical on abortion.

"They want federal taxpayer funding of abortion and they will champion abortion and push it, whereas Trump and his vice presidential pick JD Vance would seek to limit it,” said Smith. “For that reason I think Trump is the better pick, but not the best pick.”

Smith said 90% of abortions are done before 15 weeks. He explained a 15-week ban also doesn’t address the growing number of women taking abortion pills.

"We need to educate him [Trump], America and the political consultants who are telling him this is a smart move. Any political consultant worth his salt should be saying, ‘we have to get the vote out…our base.’ With this ‘wooing’ about reproductive rights…you are throwing a wet blanket on your base,” said Smith.

Recently, Trump posted to Truth Social: "My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights."

Trump said he would implement a policy as president that would pay for in vitro fertilization treatments.

“Because we want more babies, to put it very nicely. And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes. We're a pro family,” Trump said.

[© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.