Nikki Fried Claims that Pro-Lifers are “Not Pro-life, They’re Pro-Birth”

May 5, 2022 Updated 10:29 A.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Agriculture Commissioner and Democrat candidate for Governor Nikki Fried deleted a Tweet claiming those against abortion are not “pro-life,” but called them “pro-birth.”

A U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion leaked Monday signaling the court may overturn Roe v. Wade. That decision could place the power to regulate abortions in the state’s hands.

“If a bill was ever put on my desk that infringes upon a woman’s right to choose, I will veto that piece of legislation,” Fried said at a rally Wednesday. “Without federal protection, it is relying on our state government. That means we need to be supporting every single pro-choice candidate across our state.” 

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a a 15 week abortion ban into law in April. The legislation bans most abortions with some exceptions provided when the mother’s life is in danger. 

“House Bill 5 protects babies in the womb who have beating hearts, who can move, who can taste, who can see, and who can feel pain,” DeSantis said. “Life is a sacred gift worthy of our protection, and I am proud to sign this great piece of legislation which represents the most significant protections for life in the state’s modern history.”

Former President Donald Trump said during his 2016 campaign he wants the landmark Supreme Court decision giving women the right to abortion to be overturned. Trump nominated Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court during his term, both of which sided with the majority in the leaked draft opinion. 

Since the leak, Democrats have seized on the opportunity to campaign on supporting abortions. 

“This is a hard day. Unfortunately, we’ve been all predicting this for decades at this point. But you know who is celebrating today, Republicans all across our state and all across our country,” Fried said. 

Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist adamantly said he will “fight for a woman’s right to choose” and will veto anti-abortion legislation. 

Democrat Florida Attorney General Candidate Daniel Uhlfelder said Tuesday called for a “revolution” after learning about the Supreme Court leak.