A prominent Democratic figure criticized former President Donald Trump on Sunday for his recent comments regarding abortion bans. Trump attempted to clarify his stance on the issue, stating that he believes it should be left to individual states to decide. He went on to praise the effectiveness of the diverse range of local laws in addressing this matter, describing them as working “very brilliantly.”
During an interview with ABC News “This Week,” Minnesota Senator Tina Smith expressed her belief that American women are not easily fooled by Donald Trump. She emphasized that they are aware of his responsibility for the current state of affairs.
Abortion restrictions have once again come into focus following the recent decision by the Arizona Supreme Court. The court upheld a near-total abortion ban from the 1800s, which only allows exceptions if the mother’s life is in danger. This ruling has been met with celebration from those who oppose abortion, but it has been strongly condemned by advocates for reproductive rights.
Trump expressed his belief that the decision went too far and asserted that state lawmakers would address the matter. Republican leaders in Arizona are currently considering their options and taking into account the preferences of their constituents.
During an interview on “This Week,” Senator Smith offered a different perspective, countering President Trump’s defense of his states’ rights stance on abortion. Trump has frequently highlighted his contribution to dismantling Roe v. Wade’s protections for access to abortion across the nation. Smith pointed out that Trump’s actions have not only weakened the Democrats’ political advantage on the issue but also undermined the guarantee of nationwide abortion access.
She stated that this chaos and cruelty have been caused by that.
“He’s the one who is responsible for these abortion bans,” she asserted. “And I believe that when the election in November comes around, he will face the consequences for his actions.”
Smith, who has also worked at Planned Parenthood, is supporting a proposal to repeal The Comstock Act, a law from the 19th century that abortion opponents argue can be utilized to restrict the mailing of abortion medication. According to Smith, Comstock could become another battleground in the ongoing debate over this issue.
“We need to be vigilant and ensure that we are taking all necessary measures to safeguard individuals’ rights to make autonomous choices concerning their bodies and lives,” she emphasized.
When Stephanopoulos pressed Smith about Trump’s perspective and why she didn’t find it satisfactory, Smith highlighted the fact that women in different states currently experience unequal rights.
In reference to Trump’s recent remarks about individual state handling of the situation, she highlighted his statement that it is functioning as intended.
“Nobody thought it was possible, but we managed to dismantle Roe v. Wade,” Trump proudly declared. “We returned the decision-making power to the states, and they are handling it with great efficiency. Some states are taking a conservative approach, while others are more liberal in their stance.”
Smith expressed her thoughts on the matter during an appearance on “This Week.” According to her, it is crucial to consider the perspective of women living in states like Arizona or Texas. For them, this issue goes beyond politics. It directly affects their personal lives and the autonomy they have over their own decisions.
Currently, there are 14 states that have implemented bans on abortion throughout all stages of pregnancy. Additionally, Georgia and South Carolina have enacted laws that prohibit abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy.
After the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Roe in 2022, which revoked the national right to abortion, Smith joined a group of over 20 senators in urging President Joe Biden to take executive action to safeguard abortion rights.
She praised him on Sunday for his advocacy of abortion access, emphasizing the importance of electing lawmakers who support this cause. She expressed the need to establish legal protections for Roe v. Wade by increasing the number of pro-abortion access legislators.
During the interview, Stephanopoulos raised the issue of abortion access and how it has become a significant concern for voters. He pointed out that voters have consistently favored Democrats on this particular issue. Stephanopoulos then asked Smith about the general election polls, which consistently show Trump either tied with or ahead of the current president.
Smith emphasized the importance of the choices that people will make at the ballot in November. According to him, the clarity of these choices cannot be overstated.
According to her, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are actively fighting to safeguard people’s freedom, while Donald Trump is accountable for stripping it away.”