Now that the Supreme Court has obliterated the federal constitutional right to an abortion, Republicans are trying to figure out what it means to be “pro-life.”
For decades, being pro-life meant supporting overturning the constitutional right to an abortion. This was the foundation. Republican candidates were tested on this, as well as backing anti-abortion judges who would help in the crusade, and also whether they voted against taxpayers funding the medical procedure.
But six months ago the Supreme Court did indeed overturn that constitutional right.
Now the test for Republican candidates is muddier. It is also becoming more politically treacherous.
A backlash in support for abortion rights cost Republicans key seats in the 2022 midterm elections, even in red states.
Now a socially conservative wing of the party is pushing the GOP lawmakers to embrace deeper restrictions.
Today in Washington, anti-abortion groups are gathering for an annual march to pressure potential Republican presidential candidates to call for a national ban to an abortion.
Eliminating the constitutional right was not enough, the hardline conservatives say, and a full ban needs to be instated.
Anti-abortion groups are raising the stakes nearly two years before the 2024 presidential election.
One of the most powerful anti-abortion groups, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said that any candidate who does not support federal restrictions should be “disqualified” from winning the party’s nomination.
Other conservative organizations are pushing for different angles to attack abortion through. One is a new series of litmus tests that include restrictions on medication abortion. Another push is for protections for so-called crisis pregnancy centers that discourage women from having abortions. And another push is for there to be promises of fiercely anti-abortion appointees to run the Justice Department and the Food and Drug Administration.
But some Republican strategists worry that taking such a far-right and hardline position could repel general-election swing voters, and even encourage some of their own key base not to vote.
Polling has shown that the majority of Americans believe in the right to an abortion.
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