Staff Reports
The first anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the infamous Roe v. Wade ruling, marked a momentous occasion for pro-life conservatives last Saturday. This victory gives electors the authority to shape their own abortion laws through elected officials. While Democrats may lament the outcome of the Dobbs case, conservatives are ecstatic about this momentous occasion and the chance to defend the sanctity of life through the political process.
Here's How Top GOP Presidential Candidates Commemorated Dobbs https://t.co/QufJZoxUFA
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 28, 2023
Former President Donald Trump is one Republican who played a significant role in the fight against abortion. As a presidential candidate and president, he staunchly supported the pro-life cause. Trump's nomination of three Supreme Court justices who were instrumental in the Dobbs decision demonstrated his dedication. Trump proudly proclaimed at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority conference that he is the "most pro-life president in American history." He underscored the need to continue fighting against the "demented late-term abortionists" in the Democratic Party, who support unrestricted abortion and even the execution of newborns. Trump's unwavering stance on life issues has served as a rallying cry for conservatives nationwide.
TRUMP: “As your president, I will continue to stand proudly for pro-life policies, just as I did for four strong years. I will continue to fight against the demented late-term abortionists in the Democrat Party.” pic.twitter.com/LdLzAUMZIf
— MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) June 25, 2023
Trump, per excerpts, will talk about abortion at Faith and Freedom Coalition gala: “of course remains a vital role for the FEDERAL government in protecting unborn life.”
Claims, “we now have the negotiating power because of our great Supreme Court victory.”
— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) June 24, 2023
Today we celebrate the anniversary of the Dobbs decision.
Florida is proof that with bold leadership we can expand pro-life protections & provide more resources for mothers and families.
I will always champion a culture of life.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) June 24, 2023
One year ago today, Life Won! The Supreme Court sent Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history where it belongs and gave the American people a new beginning for Life. Now, as we chart a new course in the Cause for Life, we have the opportunity to save countless innocent lives by… pic.twitter.com/VuQusRVaYC
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 24, 2023
I'm pro-life and I don't apologize for it. There’s no question in my mind that what we need today is an unapologetic advocacy of the right to life. We need to take our case to every corner of this country, and we need to express compassion and principle. pic.twitter.com/Nno8Zl1KB5
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 21, 2023
The Dobbs decision was a victory for life and democracy. As a result, states have passed life-saving laws and helped promote a culture of life across the nation. The fight is far from over.
There should be broad consensus at the federal level to end late-term abortion, make…
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 24, 2023
I’m not #prolife because I’m Republican—I’m pro-life because I had trouble having my children and I’m blessed every day to see their faces. I am pro-life because my husband was adopted and I'm blessed because his life was saved. #RTM2023
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 24, 2023
I will always fight for our most fundamental right, one that most of America believes in, the right to life itself. pic.twitter.com/relGgtqAlh
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) June 24, 2023
Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, is also a champion of the pro-life movement. DeSantis commemorated the anniversary of Dobbs by tweeting about his efforts to extend pro-life protections and assist mothers and families. He signed a bill prohibiting most abortions after fetal heartbeat detection, and he signed a 15-week ban into law last year. In his speeches at the Road to Majority conference, DeSantis emphasized the significance of a culture of life and voiced concern over President Biden's drive for federal legislation that would supersede pro-life laws nationwide. DeSantis swore that if he were elected president, such inhumane and immoral practices would not be tolerated.
Throughout his political tenure, former Vice President Mike Pence has been a steadfast advocate for the pro-life cause. Through multiple social media posts, media appearances, and speeches, he demonstrated his dedication to this issue. Pence spoke at the Road to Majority conference, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America tele-townhall, and the National Celebrate Life Rally Day. He urged all Republican presidential candidates to endorse a nationwide minimum moratorium on abortions before 15 weeks. Pence's pro-life views have garnered considerable media attention, with publications such as the Washington Examiner and National Review highlighting his commitment to the cause.
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley also has a strong pro-life record. In an April speech, she emphasized the need for a "national consensus" on abortion and advocated for an end to late-term abortions, simplified adoption procedures, support for expectant mothers, and the protection of religious freedoms. Haley believes the fight for life is far from over and that the federal government must do more. She discussed the significance of reaching a comprehensive consensus on pro-life policies and related her personal experience to the issue.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has also been vocal about his pro-life stance. He pledged to implement a moratorium on abortions after 20 weeks and the "most conservative pro-life legislation" that comes before him. Scott celebrated the anniversary of Dobbs with a succession of tweets affirming his commitment to the cause. He criticized Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's remarks suggesting that black women should have abortions to increase their labor participation rate, labeling her position as desperate. Scott believes in prohibiting late-term abortions and engaging the American people in order to change their perspectives on this important issue.
Despite not being a presidential candidate, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham had a clear message for his fellow Republicans during a pro-life town hall in Iowa. He emphasized that candidates must provide a clear, concise, and logical response to the pro-life question. Graham also cautioned against the Democratic stance on abortion, citing their support for a national standard that would permit abortion on demand up until the moment of birth. He urged Republicans to embrace the issue of abortion and not shrink away from discussing it. The executive director of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Timothy Head, echoed Graham's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of candidates speaking with conviction and fluency on pro-life and other social issues.
Dobbs v. Jackson was unquestionably a significant victory for the pro-life movement. It returned the battlefield to the hands of electors and elected officials, away from the Supreme Court. Although it is unlikely that a 15-week abortion ban will succeed at the federal level, there are other pro-life victories to pursue, such as funding domestic and international efforts and supporting states that wish to protect life. The battle for life is not over, and conservatives must continue to advocate for the preservation of unborn children.
