Former First Lady Melania Trump has expressed support for abortion in her soon-to-be-released memoir, a position that conflicts with her husband’s pro-life record as a former president and current Republican presidential candidate.
The Guardian has obtained an advance copy of the memoir, simply titled Melania, set for release on Tuesday, and reported that the former first lady expresses support for abortion in the new book.
“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes,” said Melania in her new book, according to the Guardian.
Melania appeared to affirm the reporting with a video posted to X on Thursday promoting her book, just one day after the report.
Neither the Guardian’s reporting nor Melania’s social media post delved into the nuances of abortion policies, such as whether the former First Lady would support Maine-style late-term abortion laws that allow abortionists to end an unborn child’s life up until the point of birth.
“There is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth: individual freedom. What does my body, my choice really mean,” said Melania.
Though she does not directly mention abortion in the promotional video, the discussion of women’s rights and the use of the common pro-abortion slogan “my body, my choice” suggest that she supports abortion.
The new revelation comes after former President Donald Trump celebrated his role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade through his three U.S. Supreme Court appointments.
He also promised to oppose a Florida ballot initiative enshrining unrestricted abortion in the state constitution.
Melania’s statements suggests that she holds a more liberal view of abortion than her husband, though the matter is of little significance since the wives of U.S. president’s have no official power or authority.
She drew responses from people on both sides of the abortion issue, pointing out the past phenomenon of Republican First Ladies supporting abortion.
“It is a sad, strange fact of history that, for as long as abortion has been a major public issue, every Republican FLOTUS has supported it,” said conservative commentator Michael Knowles on X.
Actor Billy Baldwin used the same information to call on women to oppose President Trump.
“Melania Trump is pro-choice. Donald Trump repealed Roe v Wade. Women will make him pay on Election Day,” said Baldwin.
Melania is joining former First Lady Nancy Reagan and former First Lady Barbara Bush, who expressed support for abortion rights.
Unlike Melania, however, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush waited to express their pro-abortion stances until after their husbands were out of office or no longer running to re-election.
Trump has already angered pro-life voters with his promise to veto a federal abortion ban, and his calls for taxpayer-funded in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Melania’s comments are unlikely to sway pro-abortion voters in Trump’s favor because Vice President Kamala Harris remains by far the more pro-abortion candidate, making it a cornerstone of her campaign.
However, the comments could serve to further alienate pro-life voters.
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