New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a likely 2016 presidential contender, said this week that he backs a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy — putting him on the same page as his potential rivals for the GOP nomination.
Mr. Christie has touted his ability to win in a blue state as a pro-life Republican and announced Monday that he supports the ban, also known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which House Republican leaders shelved earlier this year following a revolt from female lawmakers.
“One proposal that brings Americans together is the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would protect unborn children beginning at 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy, based on their ability to feel pain,” Mr. Christie said in a statement. “America is one of just seven countries that permits elective abortions past this point. We can do far better than this. I urge Congress to take swift action on this important issue.”
Mr. Christie joins a slew of likely presidential GOP candidates in supporting the ban. The list includes: Texas Ted Cruz of Texas; Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul; Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker; Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal; Indiana Gov. Mike Pence; former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum; ex-Texas Gov. Rick Perry; ex-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; former neurosurgeon Ben Carson; and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony List, said “there is complete unity on the Republican side around” the push.
“Meanwhile, the national Democratic Party and its leaders remind us almost daily of the abortion lobby’s importance in their policy and politics,” Ms. Dannenfelser said in a statement. “We expect this clear difference to be a focal point of the general election debate.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.