Pence is using a highly controversial topic in his favor.
On Friday, former Vice President Mike Pence conveyed his anticipation of addressing former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during the upcoming Republican presidential debate. He intends to raise the matter of their lack of insistence on a national abortion ban, emphasizing that, in his view, this issue necessitates action at the federal level.
According to Newsmax, speaking to the press while touring the Iowa State Fair, Pence stated, “My previous running mate, along with the governor of Florida and others, have proposed that the matter of abortion be decided by individual states, following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.” The 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade removed constitutional safeguards for abortion rights.
“I hold a firm belief in the crucial importance of seizing the national platform to progress safeguards for the right to life, a stance I will uphold if I assume the presidency,” he continued. “This is a matter of significant consequence that will undoubtedly take center stage in Milwaukee.”
Pence referred to the scheduled Republican presidential debate set to take place in Milwaukee on August 23rd.
Pence has advocated for federal legislation that would enact a nationwide abortion ban at 15 weeks of pregnancy, a proposition that fellow Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has also put forth.
Contrasting Trump’s standpoint that the legality of abortion should be determined at the state level rather than by the federal government, this stance was criticized by prominent anti-abortion groups, including the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization. Last year, Trump’s three Supreme Court nominees voted with the majority to overturn the nearly five-decade-old decision recognizing federal abortion rights.
As governor, DeSantis signed a bill into law this year that prohibits abortion in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy. However, he has not actively advocated for a nationwide ban, drawing disapproval from the same groups that criticized Trump.
It remains uncertain whether Trump plans to participate in the Milwaukee debate.