It is a fairly safe thing to say that one of the reasons that the GOP had disappointing elections in 2022 and 2023 was because of how Democrats brought abortion to the top of mind for voters.
With as much success as they have had in this, there is no reason to think it will not be made a major issue again in 2024, which is why former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway is trying to change that narrative for the GOP.
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, Democrats pounced, making this a key argument in elections, and it really hurt the Republican Party during two cycles where Republicans expected to make significant gains.
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia now all have some abortion ban in place.
Additionally, a recent story broke that Justice Gorsuch made up his mind about overturning Roe v. Wade within minutes of getting the brief prepared by Justice Alito.
We know abortion will be used again to hit Republicans in 2024, so, like it or not, the party will need to make some changes in how it is approaching abortion if it wants to take back Congress and the White House.
Former Donald Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway is hoping to push a new narrative on this front, stating:
"I think pro-lifers have to be very mindful to speak about two people being involved in an abortion — the baby and the mother. So, I'm urging opinion leaders and office holders and all their decision makers, as well as candidates, to speak with conviction and compassion. That's the piece that's missing.
"The overwhelming data in contraception polling is meant to work in tandem with, not in lieu of, the pro-life abortion messaging."
The fact of the matter is that the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that abortion should be an option; however, they also want restrictions on it.
The polling on this is consistent at around 70% in favor of making abortions available, but the sticking point is at what point in pregnancy are abortions no longer allowed? We have seen states issue 6-week bans, but that is being received as a bit aggressive in terms of limitations.
Realistically, this will fall somewhere between 15 and 22 weeks, with pro-life advocates pointing to the 15 weeks as the unborn child feeling pain.
The GOP has to figure this out quickly, or it will cost them dearly again in 2024, an election that is already going to be challenging for the GOP.
