Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently declared his support for allowing full-term abortions, stating that the decision should rest solely with the woman involved. This stance marks a significant development in his abortion policy, diverging notably from more conventional positions within the political sphere.
In a revealing interview with former ESPN host Sage Steele, Kennedy emphasized that while unlikely in the late stages of pregnancy, he believes abortion decisions should remain out of governmental hands and strictly in those of the women concerned. This view extends even to full-term pregnancies, a point that has stirred considerable debate and even apparent surprise from his running mate, Nicole Shanahan.
Here is RFK Jr. affirming his commitment to China-style full-term abortion, without limits, nationwide:
RFK: "I believe we should leave it to the woman, we shouldn't have the government involved."
STEELE: "Even if it's full term?"
RFK: "Even if it's full term." pic.twitter.com/i6GrXkPrlK
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 9, 2024
Shanahan, expressing confusion about Kennedy’s statements, clarified her understanding of his views on a podcast with Steele, indicating a belief in certain restrictions on abortion. She described any abortion as a tragedy and a loss of life, contrasting with Kennedy’s more liberal stance. Her personal views, shared in a post, reflect a discomfort with terminating a viable pregnancy but also a resistance to governmental control over her body.
“My understanding with Bobby’s position is that, you know, every abortion is a tragedy, is a loss of life,” Shanahan said. “My understanding is that he absolutely believes in limits on abortion, and we’ve talked about this. I do not think, I don’t know where that came from.”
Kennedy’s comments have prompted a range of reactions, showcasing the deeply divisive nature of abortion debates in America. Previously, Kennedy suggested a more moderate position, proposing a national abortion ban after the first trimester during an NBC News interview at the Iowa State Fair, which his campaign later retracted, clarifying that Kennedy had misunderstood the questions asked.
The mixed messages have sparked discussions about his consistency and the implications of his policies on women’s reproductive rights.