How Might Abortion Policies Change Under Trump?

President Donald Trump played a huge role in the reversal of Roe v. Wade, so many are speculating on how a second Trump Administration may affect abortion access.

Week One: Hours after Trump took office, reproductiverights.gov became inactive. Three days later, Trump pardoned 23 pro-life advocates who were arrested by Biden’s justice department for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. This occurred a day before the National March for Life, and Trump called the pardons a “great honor” to sign. Vice President J.D. Vance spoke at the march in person, highlighting his “pro-life for the whole life” stance. Trump sent out a video to address participants and said, “In my second term, we will again stand proudly for families and for life.” 

Congressional Moves: Senate Democrats blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act on Jan. 22. The next day, the House of Representatives passed a new “Born Alive” bill, which would require doctors to provide the “same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence” for babies surviving abortion as for any other baby needing medical attention.

What’s to Come: Trump has avoided taking a stance on whether or not he would sign a national abortion ban, as he said legislation should be left up to the states. However, his message to those attending the March for Life and opposing “unlimited” abortion access has left pro-life activists hopeful for his support– such as in defunding Planned Parenthood– throughout the next four years. In the meantime, the new “Born Alive” bill will be moving to the Senate for consideration.