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Jimmy Williams
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, reaffirmed former President Donald Trump’s stance on defunding Planned Parenthood, saying the position remains unchanged.
Speaking to reporters Saturday after a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Vance backed Trump’s consistent opposition to federal funding for the reproductive health organization, citing concerns about late-term abortions.
Vance emphasized that Trump’s view has been clear since his first presidential campaign, stating, “We don’t think that taxpayers should fund late-term abortions. That has been a consistent view of the Trump campaign.”
The issue of abortion rights has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election, particularly as Trump balances a base that includes anti-abortion advocates and a general public that largely supports abortion access. Vance’s remarks came as Trump seeks to temper his messaging on abortion after criticism from Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Planned Parenthood, which has long been a target of conservative opposition due to its provision of abortion services, responded swiftly. Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, criticized the proposal, arguing that defunding would harm millions who rely on the organization for essential health services, such as cancer screenings and birth control.
“Defunding Planned Parenthood would deepen and expand the public health crisis we’re already in, causing more people to suffer and die for lack of basic reproductive care,” Lawson said in a statement.
Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Harris’ campaign, reiterated concerns about a potential Trump return to the White House. She argued that a second Trump administration would be too risky for American women, stating, “The only way to stop an unchecked Trump and his MAGA allies from ripping away freedoms from American women is to elect Vice President Harris.”
The debate over defunding Planned Parenthood is not new. In 2016, Trump promised to end federal funding for the organization, citing his pro-life stance. During his presidency, he enacted policies limiting access to abortion, including appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices who played pivotal roles in overturning Roe v. Wade.
In 2019, the Trump administration issued a rule barring clinics participating in the Title X family planning program from providing abortion referrals, prompting Planned Parenthood to withdraw from the program. While federal funds cannot be used for abortions, anti-abortion advocates argue that the organization still benefits indirectly through government funds for other services.
Despite Trump’s efforts to align his campaign with conservative views on abortion, Democrats have continued to press the issue, highlighting the potential risks for reproductive rights. According to an NBC News poll from September, 54% of registered voters believe Harris is better equipped to handle the issue of abortion, while 33% favored Trump.
Vance acknowledged this gap in trust during the recent vice presidential debate, saying, “We’ve got to do so much better of a job at earning the American people’s trust back on this issue.”
Although Trump has sought to moderate his stance, even suggesting he would veto a federal abortion ban, his past actions have made his position clear. He has repeatedly taken credit for overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it one of his significant accomplishments.
With reproductive rights at the forefront of the election, Vance’s confirmation of Trump’s commitment to defunding Planned Parenthood highlights the continued divide between the two parties on the issue. As the election approaches, both sides will continue to grapple with the complex and emotional issue of abortion, with its outcome likely influencing future policy for years to come.
