INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Donald Trump is set to address a Christian group that advocates for the complete eradication of abortion, a hot-button issue in this year’s presidential election that Democrats are keen to highlight.
The former president will deliver his remarks virtually at an event hosted by The Danbury Institute, taking place alongside the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis. The Danbury Institute, a coalition of churches, Christians, and organizations, states on its website that it views abortion as the greatest atrocity of our time and is committed to ending it entirely.
Trump has been vocal about his role in the appointment of three justices who were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, but has been reluctant to endorse a national ban on abortion, preferring to leave it up to individual states.
Both the Southern Baptists, who will be in attendance at Trump’s address, and the broader Republican party are divided on abortion policies, with some pushing for an immediate ban while others are open to more gradual strategies. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans support some level of access to abortion, and abortion-rights advocates have secured victories in state-level votes post-Roe, even in conservative states like Kansas and Ohio.
Similar to the GOP, the Southern Baptist Convention has shifted rightward over the years, aligning themselves closely with Republican presidents. The Conservative Baptist Network, one of the sponsors of the event, aims to further solidify the denomination’s conservative stance.
Despite his controversial history, Trump continues to enjoy support from Southern Baptists and evangelicals who see him as a necessary alternative to Democratic policies. Many believe that his commitment to pro-life values outweighs his personal transgressions.
Speaking ahead of the event, H. Sharayah Colter of The Danbury Institute emphasized the binary choice of the upcoming election and highlighted Trump’s track record of defending the sanctity of life. Albert Mohler, a prominent figure within the denomination, also penned a column criticizing Democrats for their stance on transgender rights.
Trump himself has expressed reluctance to support a national abortion ban, emphasizing the importance of state-level decisions on the matter. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, he has hinted at the possibility of negotiating policies that include exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and maternal health.
Democrats have sought to link Trump to conservative state-level abortion bans and recent legal challenges that threaten access to reproductive care. Trump’s campaign maintains that he supports state autonomy in determining abortion laws and recognizes the need for nuanced discussions on the topic.
As the election approaches, Trump’s outreach to diverse groups reflects his commitment to engaging with a wide range of opinions on various issues.
Price reported from New York.
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