The article featured below encapsulates every single statement made by the Republican presidential candidates pertaining to the discussion of abortion during the Fox News Republican Primary. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various opinions expressed by the candidates on this contentious issue. From their perspectives on Roe v. Wade to the role of the federal government in regulating abortion, these statements encompass the stances put forth by the Republican contenders. This article serves as an essential resource for those seeking an in-depth understanding of the candidates’ positions on abortion during this particular Republican primary race.
The first Republican debate of the 2023 primary season featured eight candidates:
Former Vice President Mike Pence
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (did not comment during this topic)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (did not comment)
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson
The debate was held in Milwaukee. Former President Donald Trump did not attend the debate and instead held a competing event. The debate was streamed on FoxNews.com and Fox Nation.
Martha MacCallum presented the following question to Nikki Haley to the candidates.
Martha: “Abortion has been a losing Issue for Republicans since the Dobbs decision. In six state referendums, all have upheld abortion rights in this country, and even in red states, there are more swing state referendums that are coming up as we head into the elections as well on this. Governor Haley, what do you say to your party and to your state (South Carolina) which today confirmed a six week abortion law, as well, especially the impact on women suburban voters across this country.”
Nikki Haley: “I am unapologetically pro-life. Not because the Republican Party tells me to be, but because Is my husband was adopted, and I had trouble having both of my children, so I’m surrounded by blessings. Having said that we need to stop demonizing this issue. This is talking about the fact that unelected justices didn’t need to decide something this personal, because it’s personal for every woman and man. Now it’s been put in the hands of the people. That’s great. When it comes to a federal ban, let’s be honest with the American people and say it will take 60 Senate votes. It will take a majority of the house. So, in order to do that, let’s find consensus.
Can’t we all agree that we should ban late-term abortions? Can’t we all agree that we should encourage adoptions. Can’t we all agree that doctors and nurses, who don’t believe in abortion, shouldn’t have to perform them. Can’t we all agree that contraception should be available, and can’t we all agree that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion? Let’s treat this as a respectful issue that it is and humanize the situation and stop demonizing the situation rights.”
Brett Baier asks the following question to Governor Ron DeSantis.
Brett Baier: “You signed a six-week abortion Florida. One of your biggest financial backers said that you need to quote shift to get moderates, or you will lose. What do you say to him and others Who say, politically, that is a tough thing to sell nationally.”
Ron DeSantis: “You got to do what you think is right. I believe in a culture of life. I was proud to the heartbeat bill. I remember one of the most impactful moments of my life was when I heard the heartbeat of my oldest daughter in my wife’s womb and then saw the sonograms of all three of my kids. What the Democrats are trying to do on this issue is wrong to allow abortion all the way up to the moment of birth.
I know a lady in Florida named Penny. She survived multiple abortion attempts. She was left discarded in a pan. Fortunately, her grandmother saved her and brought her to a different hospital. We’re better than what the Democrats are selling. We are not going to allow abortion all the way up to birth, and we will hold them accountable for their extremism. “
Brett: “But just to be clear, Governor. Would you sign a six-week ban federally?”
Ron: “I’m going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it differently than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to do different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president.”
Vice President Mike Pence enters the conversation with the following response: “I am not new to this cause. After I gave my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I open up the book, and I read, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.’ [Jeremiah 1:5] and ‘See, I set before you life and death, blessings and curses, now choose life.’ [Deuteronomy 30:19] And I knew from that moment that the cause of life had to be my cause. And I’ve been a champion for life in the congress, a champion for life as governor, and as vice president.
And to be honest with you, Nicki, you’re my friend, but a consensus is the opposite of leadership. When the Supreme Court turned this question to the American people, they didn’t just send it to the States only. It’s not a state’s only issue. It’s a moral issue. And I promise you, as the President of the United States, the American people will have a champion for life in the Oval Office. Can’t we have a minimum standard in every state in the nation that says when a baby is capable of feeling pain, an abortion cannot be allowed. A 15 week ban is an idea whose time has come. It’s supported by 70% of the American people, but it’s going to take unapologetic leadership that stands on principle and expresses compassion. I’ll do that as president of the United States.”
Martha directs a question to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum: “The Supreme Court did overturn Roe. V Wade, and the result of that decision was that to the States. So that’s where it is, right now. So as I understand it, you are not in favor of a federal. What do you say about the States, there’s about five of them, including New Jersey, I think and a few others, that allow abortion up until the time of birth. If you were president, would you be able to abide that?”
Governor Doug Burgum: “First of all, I’m pro-life governor of a very pro-life state, and this issue is, of course, very important, but I am on the record, and I stand behind, that we should not have a federal abortion ban. We should not, and the reason why we shouldn’t is very simple. It’s the 10th Amendment in the Constitution. [He takes out of his pocket a small copy of the Constitute.] In the Constitution, which the states created the federal government, not the other way around. It says that there were certain duties allowed to the federal government delegated to them by the states. The rest are left to the States comma, or importantly, or to the people.
We need to get back to freedom and liberty for the people in this country. And we cannot have Republicans fight for 50 years for this great cause and return it back to the States, and then, the next day, they turn around and go. ‘No, the Fed should do that’ because the Fed are stepping into people’s lives. They’re stepping into people’s businesses over and over. If we say that the Fed should be in on this one, where do we stop? I say that we follow the Constitution and this was returned to the States. This is where it should be.”
Brett asks a follow up question: “Governor Berger, you signed a six week ban. So you are saying, federally, it’s all going to go to the States.”
Doug: “Yes. And what is going to work in New York will never work in North Dakota, vice versa.”
Former Governor Asa Hutchinson interjects with the following state: “This is too important of an issue that I have to address. First of all the Supreme Court gave it back to the elected representatives, whether it’s the States or whether it is the United States Congress. So there is authority, and that’s why President Biden is pushing for a Democrat proposal, which is in essence, abortion on demand through the term. So they have their extreme position at a national level. It’s most play going to addressed in the States, but it’s certainly fine to be addressed that the national level as well.
Arkansas has the record of being the most pro-life state in the nation. I signed 30 pro-life pieces of legislation while I was governor, and every state can determine a different outcome here. And it is the most important issue for women and for the unborn child, and for our country that we get this right. It’s going to be a continued debate. Let’s talk about it in terms of compassion, in terms of protecting the life, and also understanding how we have to enhance adoption services… how we have to enhance maternal care. Those things we’ve done in Arkansas and are important for our nation’s future.
Senator Tim Scott says the following: “We cannot let states like California, New York and Illinois have abortions on demand, up until the day of birth. That is immoral. It is unethical. It is wrong. We must have a President of the United States who will advocate and fight, the minimum, a 15-week limit. I’m a hundred percent pro life conservative. I have a hundred percent pro-life record. I got to tell you though we must fight for life.
Our Declaration of Independence says Our Creator gave us an alienable rights that include life. That is an issue that we must solve. We cannot leave it to Illinois. We cannot leave it to Minnesota. We must solve that issue with a 15-week limit at a minimum.
Nikki responds with the following: “I think that we are all pro-life, but what I would love is for someone to ask Biden and Kamala Harris, are they for 38 weeks, are they for 39 weeks, are they for 40 weeks? Because that’s what the media needs to be asking.
This article is being updated in real-time. If you find any additions or changes, please contact us.
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