A political marital dispute shakes up the US election campaign!
Former First Lady Melania Trump has strongly condemned abortion bans in her new memoir, “Melania.” She emphasizes that women have the right to make decisions about “their bodies,” a stance that sharply contrasts with her husband, presidential candidate Donald Trump. During his presidency (2017-2021), Trump appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices, leading to the Court overturning nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion rights (the “Roe v. Wade” precedent) in June 2022. Trump expressed pride in this turning point, arguing that such laws should be decided by individual states. Since then, 13 states have banned abortion entirely, with some allowing no exceptions for rape, incest, or health risks.
Melania Trump, however, argued for women’s freedom to make their own choices, writing: “A woman’s fundamental right to individual freedom, to her own life, gives her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she so chooses!” She also mentioned that “young people should obtain their parents’ consent before having an abortion.”
Her statements are significant in the tight presidential race between her husband and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, with abortion being the fifth most important campaign issue, after inflation, immigration, healthcare, and jobs. Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, Republicans have been on the defensive over the divisive topic, particularly during the 2022 midterm elections.
Melania seeks compassion
Statistics show that 90% of abortions occur before the 13th week of pregnancy, with only 1% performed after the 21st week. However, nine states allow abortions up to birth, which Donald Trump has often called a “horror.” He has even falsely claimed that “executions” after birth were possible. Despite his harsh rhetoric, Trump has also tried to moderate his stance, stating he would veto any attempt by Congress to ban abortion at the federal level.
In a promotional clip for her memoir, releasing on October 8, Melania Trump reiterated her stance: many women choose abortion due to “personal medical concerns.” She added, “These situations with significant moral implications place a heavy burden on the woman and her family and deserve our compassion.”
Trump, meanwhile, attempted to stay composed, stating he encouraged Melania to follow “her convictions” regarding the book. He also mentioned, somewhat dismissively, that he had not yet read her book.
