Trump: Florida’s six-week abortion ban may be ‘too harsh’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FLV) – Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue of abortion in a new interview, specifically in regards to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recently signed six-week abortion ban.
Trump spoke with The Messenger.
The outlet said Trump was “not clear” on specific abortion restrictions he supports or opposes, and also would not come out in clear agreement or disagreement with DeSantis’ ban that builds off of last year’s 15-week ban.
When asked about DeSantis signing the six-week ban, Trump said, “He has to do what he has to do.”
“If you look at what DeSantis did, a lot of people don’t even know if he knew what he was doing,” Trump said. “But he signed six weeks, and many people within the pro-life movement feel that that was too harsh.”
At a CNN town hall last week, Trump was also asked about abortion where he was similarly vague.
“Would you sign a federal abortion ban into law?” Trump was asked.
“What I will do is negotiate so that people are happy,” he replied, pivoting to appointing Supreme Court justices ultimately overturning Roe v. Wade.
“Mr. President, you – you would sign a federal abortion ban into law?” town hall host Kaitlan Collins said.
“Well, I said this. I said this. I want to do what’s right. And we’re looking. And we want to do what’s right for everybody,” Trump said.
“They could kill the baby in the ninth month or after the baby was born. Now they won’t be able to do that.”
DeSantis signed the six-week law late in the evening last month.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
The six-week ban is waiting for a Florida Supreme Court decision on the 15-week abortion ban before taking effect.
The House approved the Senate bill version 70-40, which includes exceptions for abortions up to 15 weeks for rape, incest and human trafficking. Other exceptions include if the mother’s life is at risk.
The proposal also allocates millions of dollars for a family planning program and expand the Florida Pregnancy Care Network.
There is trigger language in the bill for the abortion ban to go into effect 30 days after one of the following events occurs:
- The Florida Supreme court ruling overturns one of several other related cases
- A Florida Supreme court ruling stating that the privacy clause in the Florida Constitution does not protect the right to abortion
- An amendment to the Florida Constitution which provides the same.
