Former President Donald Trump has announced his opposition to a Florida ballot measure that would expand abortion access, following a day of controversy and conservative backlash. According to NBC News, Trump’s stance came after initially telling the network that Florida’s six-week abortion ban was “too short” and declining to take a clear position on the state ballot measure.

Trump clarified his position to Fox News, stating, “I think six weeks, you need more time than six weeks. I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries when I heard about it, I disagreed with it.” However, he added, “At the same time, the Democrats are radical, because the nine months is just a ridiculous situation where you can do an abortion in the ninth month. … So I’ll be voting no for that reason.”

The proposed amendment would prohibit restrictions on abortion before fetal viability, around the 24th week of pregnancy, while allowing exceptions to protect the mother’s health.

Trump’s initial comments sparked fierce criticism from anti-abortion advocates. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, reportedly called Trump to seek clarity on his position.

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GOP Grapples With Abortion Politics Post-Roe

The controversy highlights the challenges Republicans face in navigating abortion politics post-Roe v. Wade. Some conservatives fear alienating anti-abortion voters, while others worry about backlash from the majority of Americans who support legal abortion access.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, warned that Trump’s waffling could hurt his support among volunteers. “When they hear the leader of the Republican Party, Donald Trump, walking back past pro-life statements, it’s devastating to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign accused Trump of lying about his shifts on abortion and vowed to hold him accountable for the impacts of overturning Roe v. Wade.

Read more at NBC News