Former First Lady Melania Trump has ignited criticism from the pro-life community after expressing her pro-abortion stance in her forthcoming memoir and a video message shared on social media platform X.
In her memoir titled “Melania,” set for release on October 8, just ahead of Election Day, she touches on various subjects including her life, family, and experiences in the White House, as well as her support for legal abortion. The Guardian published excerpts from the book on Wednesday.
Melania Trump states in her memoir, “It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government.” She further questions why anyone but the woman should decide what she does with her own body, asserting that a woman’s personal right to liberty allows her the authority to terminate a pregnancy if she chooses.
She emphasizes, “Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body,” a belief she claims to have maintained throughout her adulthood. In a video posted on X the following day, Melania Trump reiterated her views, stating, “Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth: individual freedom.”
In response, Donald Trump acknowledged the discussions he had with his wife regarding her views, stating that he encouraged her to express her beliefs without dictation. He highlighted the presence of a diverse range of opinions within the pro-life movement, suggesting that some hold very strict views while others are more lenient.
The pro-life movement has reacted with disappointment to Melania Trump’s comments. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, indicated that their primary aim is to defeat Kamala Harris and oppose the Democrats’ push for unrestricted abortion access funded by taxpayers. However, she also criticized Melania’s stance, stating, “Women with unplanned pregnancies are crying out for more resources, not more abortions.”
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, remarked that a pregnancy involves more than just the woman’s body, highlighting that two lives are at stake. She criticized Melania Trump for not using her platform to promote a more inspiring message.
The comments from Melania Trump have led to stronger discontent among some pro-life advocates who feel that her views, mirrored by those of Kamala Harris, stray too far from pro-life principles. Legal scholar Robert P. George voiced concerns that Melania’s views could signal to pro-abortion voters that abortion rights would be protected in a potential second Trump administration.
Donald Trump, while having appointed three Supreme Court justices who supported overturning Roe v. Wade, is currently navigating a complex political landscape regarding abortion, attempting to balance support from the pro-life base with appeal to moderates ahead of the upcoming election. In a recent statement, he indicated he would veto any legislation restricting abortion, reiterating that such decisions should be left to states.
Kamala Harris promotes a federal law to secure abortion rights nationwide, at least until the point of viability during pregnancy, while her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, signed legislation reinforcing the state’s permissive abortion laws.