As Donald Trump continues to campaign for the 2024 election, some of his recent comments on abortion and “reproductive rights” have earned him criticism from Christian conservatives. During an NBC appearance on “Meet the Press,” Trump’s Vice Presidential candidate was pressed on whether Trump would refuse to sign a national abortion ban. “I can absolutely commit to that,” responded Vance. He stated that abortion would be left to states to decide, per the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. “Donald Trump has been as clear about that as possible. Donald Trump wants to end this culture war over this particular topic. If California wants to have a different abortion policy from Ohio, then Ohio has to respect California, and California has to respect Ohio.” Vance stated the government should focus more on things like food and housing prices. “Let the states figure out their own abortion policies.”

The answer drew criticism from many staunch pro-life supporters, who see life beginning as conception and abortion as murdering that life. Trump drew further criticism after he posted on Truth Social that his administration would be great for women’s “reproductive rights,” a phrase typically used for abortion. Harrison Butker posted to X with a screenshot of the post, urging Vance, who is Catholic like himself, to “defend the unborn.” “No party or candidate is perfect,” he wrote. “I implore my fellow Catholic to help bring the Republican Party back in line with the foundational platform that all life is valuable and there can be no compromise when it comes to defending the unborn.” Lila Rose, a prominent pro-life activist posted the Vance interview, writing, “If you don’t stand for pro-life principles, you don’t get pro-life votes.”

Trump’s apparent changes on abortion, including the GOP platform removing all language of getting rid of abortion completely, has drawn a schism between conservative Christians. Some paint Trump as the lesser of two evils, stating a Harris presidency would legalize abortion up to 9 months federally. Others, however, feel the Trump has betrayed the pro-life movement. His recent comments on the proposed Amendment 4 in Florida, which some say would enshrine abortion in the state until birth, and criticisms of Florida’s heartbeat bill have only increased those concerns.  “We are pro-life activists. What should our response be when Trump repeatedly takes step-after-step back from what it means to protect innocent preborn lives, to the point of supporting abortion pills and vowing to veto abortion bans?” wrote Rose.  It is wrong for Trump supporters to demand that pro-life activists be endlessly loyal to Trump in response to repeated betrayal.” She added, “Kamala Harris supports abortion up until birth, unrestricted and tax-funded. Of course, Harris does not deserve the pro-life vote. But this does not mean Trump should not be challenged with the truth.” Many staunch pro-lifers, such as abortion abolitionist Ben Zeisloft, have vowed that they will not vote for Trump. If he loses the conservative Christians, it could be lose Trump the election, with polls showing a tight race between him and Harris. Rose implored Trump to change course and defend the unborn.