MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy document that reflects former President Donald Trump’s position opposing a federal abortion ban and ceding limits to states, omitting the explicit basis for a national ban for the first time in 40 years. The committee, according to two people briefed on the language, agreed on the text, “We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process and that the states are, therefore, free to pass laws protecting those rights.” Two anti-abortion activist leaders spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal party deliberations.
The move comes as Trump imposes his priorities on the committee as he seeks to steer clear of strict abortion language, even while taking credit for setting up the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. Trump appointed three of the six justices who voted in the majority to overturn the 1973 abortion rights precedent.
The abortion language was first reported by The New York Times. Marjorie Dannenfelser, SBA Pro-Life America president, praised the committee for reaffirming “its commitment to protect unborn life through the 14th Amendment.” Dannenfelser stopped short of endorsing the document's reflection of Trump's view that the matter rests entirely with states.
“Under this amendment, it is Congress that enacts and enforces it's provisions.�.