Trump Suggests ‘Punishment’ for Women Who Get Abortions
Trump also suggested that women could continue to receive abortions, but at “illegal places.”
Women who get abortions should receive “some form of punishment,” Republican front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday, without indicating specifically what the punishment should be.
The comments came in a heated exchange with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews during the taping of a town hall in Wisconsin, which holds its primary next week.
Trump also suggested that women could continue to receive abortions, but at “illegal places.”
The subject of abortion remains highly controversial decades after the Supreme Court legalised it.
Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton quickly responded on Twitter.
Trump has often said he’s opposed to abortions except in the case of three exceptions: rape, incest and when the life of the mother is at risk. He used to describe himself as in favor of abortion rights, but says his stance has evolved over the years.
Trump’s campaign later issued a further statement from the candidate:
Trump Rolls Back from his Statement
Shortly afterwards, Trump walked back on his statement.
Trump said in a later statement that abortion providers — not women — should be the ones punished.
Even before Trump’s comments, recent polls have put his negative ratings nearing or even eclipsing 70 percent among women.
(With AP inputs)
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