Former Vice President Mike Pence challenged other Republican presidential hopefuls on Friday to back a national abortion ban. He stated that it is “time to act” after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Pence delivered his message during a speech at the Family Research Council’s annual conference, urging fellow Republican leaders to join him in prioritizing the restoration of the sanctity of life in American law.
While some Republican candidates have been hesitant to embrace a national abortion ban following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Pence emphasized its necessity. He argued that protecting the unborn requires enacting a nationwide law that prohibits abortion, emphasizing that the Court’s decision was a “victory for life,” but not enough. Pence’s call may receive mixed reactions from other Republican presidential hopefuls, with some fearing it could alienate moderate voters while others may view it as an opportunity to appeal to the party’s base.
The impact of Pence’s challenge on the Republican presidential race remains uncertain. However, his remarks clearly indicate that he considers a national abortion ban a top priority for the Republican Party. Several other Republican politicians, including former President Donald Trump, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, have also called for a national abortion ban in recent days.
The feasibility of a national abortion ban is unclear, as it would likely require a supermajority in the currently Democrat-controlled Senate. Nevertheless, if Republicans were to regain control of the Senate in the midterm elections, there is a possibility that they could pass such a ban.
