Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has dismissed the possibility of a religious exemption for doctors regarding abortion, saying in a new interview that abortion is a “fundamental freedom” that should not be subject to any concessions. . Harris made the remarks in an interview with NBC News' Hallie Jackson, where she defended her record on abortion and was the Republican candidate who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and put three justices on the Supreme Court. He criticized Donald Trump's record.
Jackson noted that Harris, if elected, may have to work with Republican Congress.
“What specific concessions could you make to resolve abortion access as quickly as possible?” Jackson asked.
At first, Ms. Harris dodged most of the questions, telling Ms. Jackson that the congressman might be able to persuade her.
Mr. Jackson continued: “What concessions are there on the table? For example, are religious exemptions something a Republican-controlled Congress would consider?”
“I don't think we should compromise when we're talking about the fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body,” Harris responded.
Kamala Harris admits she intends to deny religious exemptions to abortion. He also appears intent on weaponizing the government to force Christians to kill unborn children and imprison dissidents who pray outside abortion facilities.
terrible. pic.twitter.com/Bx3aJ7kW8a
— Anna Lulis (@annamlulis) October 22, 2024
Jackson then asked Harris if she would extend an “olive branch” to Republican senators such as Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
“I won't go into hypotheticals because there are many different scenarios that could be considered,” Harris responded. “Let's start with a basic fact: American women are being robbed of a fundamental freedom, the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. And that is non-negotiable, and that's why Roe v. Wade's protections are being taken away.” That means it needs to be restored.”
Harris' position on religious exemptions will affect a wide range of individuals and groups of faith, including doctors who oppose abortion and Christian-owned businesses that want to provide non-abortion health insurance.
Pro-life leaders criticized Harris' comments.
“Kamala Harris has admitted she intends to reject religious exemptions to abortion. Weaponize the government to force Christians to kill unborn children and jail pro-life activists who pray outside abortion facilities.” “They seem to be putting a lot of effort into it,” said pro-life activist Anna Luris. said. “terrible.”
“Freedom of religion is the first right enumerated in the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is second. These are fundamental rights. Abortion is not.” said Kristen Wagoner, president of Alliance Defending Freedom; “This country has never forced people to violate their conscience and take innocent lives.”
Religious freedom is the first right enumerated in the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is second. These are fundamental rights. Abortion is not.
In this country, we have never forced people to violate their conscience and take innocent lives. https://t.co/3KPVoqfazA
— Kristen Waggoner (@KWaggonerADF) October 23, 2024
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Win McNamee/Staff
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in the Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
