Reminder: GOP Presidential Candidates Celebrated the Dobbs Decision

Washington, D.C. — Last year, in cities across the country thousands of people took to the streets in protest when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping federal abortion rights and handing states the power to ban abortion. The wildly unpopular decision shook the country, forced businesses to speak out, and changed the trajectory of the 2022 midterm elections. Even as Americans — who overwhelmingly support legal abortion — expressed their outrage and mourned the court's unprecedented ruling, out-of-touch politicians celebrated the horrific decision, including many candidates now running for the GOP presidential nomination. 

Now, many of the candidates are trying to hide their records on reproductive rights or selectively lift their support for abortions bans when it benefits them. Some have become mealy mouthed when they are asked to talk about abortion. But they made their views crystal clear last June. 

Here’s what presidential candidates said after last year's Supreme Court decision to   allow states to ban abortion: 

Donald Trump 

• In a statement, Trump called the court’s decision “the biggest WIN for LIFE in a generation.” The recent decisions by the court were only made possible “because I delivered everything as promised, including nominating and getting three highly respected and strong Constitutionalists confirmed to the United States Supreme Court,” the former president said. “These major Victories prove that even though the Radical Left is doing everything in their power to destroy our Country, your Rights are being protected, the Country is being defended, and there is still hope and time to Save America (sic).” (The Hill)  

Ron DeSantis

• DeSantis tweeted: “By properly interpreting the Constitution, the Supreme Court has answered the prayers of millions upon millions of Americans.” (Twitter)  

Mike Pence 

• Pence tweeted the “Supreme Court has righted a historic wrong.” (Twitter)
• In that same tweet thread, Pence called for abortion bans in every state. (Twitter)

Nikki Haley:

• Haley called the decision a “historic win.” (Twitter) 
• She previously called the draft decision something “millions of Americans have prayed for.” (Twitter)   

Tim Scott: 

• Scott said: “The Supreme Court took an important step to protect the God-given right to life” and commended the justices for “their courage.” (Fox Carolina)

Asa Hutchinson: 

• Hutchinson said, “For decades I have said Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. Today, the Supreme Court overturned the abortion ruling and returned the issue to the states. Arkansas is a pro-life state, and we are able now to protect life.” (Twitter) 

Other candidates across the country — including Jim Justice (WV senate), Mark Lamb (AZ senate), Bernie Moreno (OH senate), and Matt Dolan (OH senate) — are boastfully anti-abortion and celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision.  
One year later, anti-abortion candidates are doubling down on their dangerous agendas and continue to stand on the wrong side of voters — even as data shows increasing public support for abortion rights. Abortion is top of mind for voters heading into the 2024 elections, an alarming sign for every anti-abortion rights candidate on the ballot. 

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