Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently reiterated his strong opposition to any government restrictions on abortions, including those performed at full term. In a recent appearance on a show, Kennedy defended his stance by emphasizing his commitment to medical freedom and bodily autonomy.
During the interview, Kennedy expressed his belief that every abortion is a tragedy and acknowledged the potential for permanent trauma on women. However, he emphasized his distrust of government intervention in personal decisions regarding reproductive rights. Kennedy argued that such decisions should be left to the woman, in consultation with her spiritual advisors or physician.
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Kennedy maintained that late-term abortions are rare and often involve extenuating circumstances. He acknowledged the compelling argument for protecting a fully-formed fetus but reiterated his stance that the ultimate decision should rest with the woman, rather than the state.
When questioned about the possibility of leaving abortion regulations to individual states, Kennedy rejected the idea, asserting that the decision should be solely in the hands of the woman. He emphasized the need to trust women to make the best choices for themselves in difficult circumstances.
Kennedy's abortion stance drew attention last year when reports suggested he supported limiting abortions to 15 or 21 weeks into pregnancy. His campaign later clarified that he does not support legislation banning abortion, attributing any confusion to a misunderstanding of the question.
Abortion has emerged as a significant issue on the campaign trail following the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. While Republican-led states have enacted laws restricting abortion, Democrats have focused on initiatives to expand access to reproductive healthcare.
