American Advocacy for Freedom (AAF) sent a letter to delegates to the Republican National Convention on Friday urging them to include stronger pro-life language in the party platform.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Platform Announced Affirming the Republican Party’s commitment to life on Monday, it said states are “free to enact laws that protect” life under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and also supported access to contraception and IVF. The AAF, founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, argued that the party platform’s commitment to pro-life policies had been “watered down” and “ultimately compromised,” and called on delegates to the Republican National Convention to “restore” the party’s pro-life values. according to In a letter. (RELATED: Exclusive: Conservative groups warn Republican National Convention delegates not to remove pro-life stance from GOP platform)
“The Republican Party platform takes a step back on life issues for the first time in decades,” the letter reads. “Pro-life Americans are rightly outraged and deeply concerned. As drafted, the platform removes longstanding Republican commitments on life, from banning taxpayer funding for abortion to a proposed constitutional amendment with specific protections for the unborn.”
The platform was drafted and approved by the Republican National Committee’s Platform Committee on Monday and is scheduled to be voted on by RNC delegates at the Republican National Convention next week.
“President Trump has consistently supported states’ rights to make abortion decisions. Joe Biden and the Democratic Party are fundamentally out of step with the majority of Americans in their support of pre- and post-birth abortion and forcing taxpayers to fund it,” Caroline Leavitt, national spokesperson for the Trump campaign, told DCNF.
A party official stated that “the platform has not been watered down” and accused conservative groups of “trying to disrupt the party convention.”
Guess what happened? They lied and watered down policies on abortion, marriage and IVF.
See it for yourself below: https://t.co/0gdt2lP4t7 pic.twitter.com/hlGwUS39hJ
— John Shelton (@jayshelt) July 8, 2024
At various points over the past few decades, Republicans have supported adding a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution, called for an end to taxpayer funding of abortion, condemned partial-birth abortions and included language to protect babies who survive botched abortions, the letter noted.
The new platform acknowledges that states have the power to make abortion laws and that the 14th Amendment guarantees the right to life, but it explicitly rejects “late-term abortions” and supports in vitro fertilization and access to contraception.
“We are proud to be pro-family and pro-life,” the RNC’s new platform states. “We believe that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that no person shall be denied life or liberty without due process, and therefore states are free to enact laws to protect these rights. After 51 years, we have earned that power, and we have placed it in the hands of the states and the people. We oppose late-term abortion and support mothers and policies that promote prenatal care, access to birth control and in vitro fertilization.” (Related: Trump agrees abortion ‘hurts’ Republican Party, says party doesn’t know how to ‘talk about issues’)
Several pro-life groups, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Americans United for Life, have voiced their support for the new platform, calling it a “common-sense collection of promises.” according to In a letter.
“President Donald J. Trump has a clear track record of keeping his campaign promises,” the letter states. “During his first term, we pro-life, pro-family leaders praised his courageous leadership. He was the first and only president to appoint pro-life judges and join the March for Life. Not only did he pursue pro-life, pro-family policies, he also showed compassion to incarcerated people and helped forgotten American men and women.”
Other pro-lifers, such as Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, criticized the new platform, calling it a “major downgrade” compared to the previous one. post About X.
at the same time, stand out Republicans oppose the language, with Mike Pence calling it a “deep disappointment.” in press release.
“Unfortunately, this platform is part of a broader retreat by our party to maintain vagueness for the sake of political expediency,” Pence said in a press release. “But history shows that those who speak unapologetically to the American people throughout their lives are rewarded at the ballot box.” (Related: Pro-life leaders send mixed messages after President Trump rejects federal abortion ban)
The AAF urged delegates to the Republican National Convention to return to what they believe to be a true pro-life policy.
“It is possible to reinstate the RNC’s pro-life platform,” the letter reads. “We encourage you to support the Platform Committee’s minority report and amendments that strengthen the platform’s pro-life commitment, and to vote against any platform that weakens the party’s pro-life position.”
Signatories to the letter included Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action, Gene Mancini, president of March for Life Action, and Paul Teller, executive director of Advancing American Freedom.
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