Former First Lady Melania Trump has attracted criticism from pro-life advocates following her remarks on abortion in her forthcoming memoir and a recent video message on X.
In her upcoming book titled “Melania,” set to release on Oct. 8, she discusses her life, family, time in the White House, and her support for legal abortion. Excerpts from the memoir were shared by The Guardian.
Melania Trump emphasizes the importance of women having autonomy in decisions about motherhood, free from government pressure. She argues, “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?” She believes that a woman’s right to liberty allows her to terminate a pregnancy if she chooses, asserting that denying a woman’s right to choose equates to denying her control over her body.
In a video on X, Melania reiterated her stance, emphasizing the notion of individual freedom as an essential right for women. She questioned the meaning of the phrase “my body, my choice.”
Former President Donald Trump commented on his wife’s views, stating he supported her right to express her beliefs and encouraged her to remain true to her heart. He acknowledged a range of opinions within the abortion debate, noting that some hold very stringent views while others are more moderate.
Response from the pro-life community has been mostly critical of Melania Trump’s statements. Some leaders, while still focused on securing a win for Donald Trump against Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed disappointment about what they view as a departure from pro-life values.
Marjorie Dannenfelser from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America stressed the organization’s goal of defeating Harris and the Democrats’ push for unrestricted abortion access but criticized Melania’s comments. She suggested that women facing unplanned pregnancies need support and resources rather than more abortions, highlighting the need for compassion for both women and unborn children.
Kristan Hawkins from Students for Life Action also expressed concern, arguing that a woman’s pregnancy involves more than just her body. She urged Melania Trump to take a more inspiring stance rather than promoting perspectives that conflict with women’s well-being.
Lila Rose, president of Live Action, criticized Melania and suggested their views on abortion are strikingly similar. Moreover, legal scholar Robert P. George speculated that Melania’s comments may be part of a campaign strategy aimed at appealing to pro-abortion voters, indicating a shift in the campaign’s approach to pro-life supporters.
In terms of the candidates’ stances on abortion, Donald Trump, during his presidency, appointed three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. In his current campaign, he is trying to navigate the complex landscape of abortion politics. He recently stated opposition to any legislation banning abortion, advocating for states to make their own decisions regarding the issue, while criticizing Democrats for supporting late-term abortion.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, seeks to establish a federal law allowing abortion access nationwide until viability, which is typically around 23 to 24 weeks into a pregnancy. She has yet to clarify her position on late-term abortion regulations.