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The recent unveiling of the GOP’s new platform on abortion has sparked a wave of frustration and controversy within the party, particularly among conservative delegates and anti-abortion advocates. This shift in the Republican Party’s stance, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, has not been universally welcomed, and the behind-the-scenes process has left many feeling disenfranchised.

A Platform in Transition
In Milwaukee, as delegates convened to finalize the GOP’s platform, the process was anything but smooth. The new platform, significantly trimmed from 66 pages in 2016 to just 16 pages this year, was developed behind closed doors and hastily presented to the delegates for approval. This rapid and opaque process has been a point of contention for many within the party.

Conservative Discontent
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, expressed his dissatisfaction with the new platform and the process by which it was created. “The 2024 platform is a decent statement of campaign priorities, but not necessarily the enduring principles of a party,” Perkins noted. He criticized the closed-door development and the lack of opportunity for amendments, calling it “unbecoming of constitutional conservatives.”

Despite the frustration, no one from the platform committee publicly criticized Trump or threatened to withhold support. However, the discontent was palpable among the delegates, who felt excluded from the decision-making process. The platform’s language, which many feel represents a step back from the GOP’s historical stance on abortion, has particularly irked those who believe in a strong federal role in abortion policy.

Anti-Abortion Advocates’ Mixed Reactions
While some anti-abortion groups have rallied behind the new platform, seeing it as a reflection of Trump’s commitment to “protecting life and promoting the family,” others are less convinced. The platform’s gesture towards the 14th Amendment, which conservatives argue protects life starting at conception, was seen as a positive step by six prominent anti-abortion organizations. They praised the new platform as “a set of common-sense promises that will Make America Great Again.”

However, not all were satisfied. Perkins and other delegates have been pushing for a minority report that they believe better represents the party’s historical stance on abortion. This report calls for the passage of the Human Life Amendment, which would amend the Constitution to establish legal protections for fetuses from conception, potentially undoing abortion protections in Democratic-controlled states.

A Flawed Process
Gayle Ruzicka, a platform committee member from Utah, voiced her frustration over the lack of discussion and transparency in the platform’s development. Ruzicka noted that the RNC staff did not allow any amendments and that delegates were not given a chance to read the document before voting. She described the process as “very unusual” and felt that delegates were treated poorly.

“They didn’t even give us a chance to read it before we voted on it,” Ruzicka said, emphasizing the lack of time and opportunity to study the document. Her sentiments were echoed by Sandye Kading, a platform committee member from South Dakota, who described the meeting as “concise” but criticized the abbreviated process.

The Call for Robust Advocacy
Other evangelical leaders, like Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, expressed disappointment with the platform’s perceived retreat from a robust pro-life stance. Leatherwood argued that now is the time to advocate for a comprehensive vision for life at all levels of government, not to retreat.

“Now is the time to advocate for a robust vision for life — at all levels of government — not retreat from it,” Leatherwood said. He highlighted the significance of the current moment, with the abortion industry facing significant challenges, as a critical time for a strong pro-life commitment.

Looking Ahead
As the GOP moves forward with its new platform, the internal tensions and dissatisfaction among delegates and anti-abortion advocates highlight the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity on such a polarizing issue. Perkins and other delegates who opposed the platform’s language on abortion have submitted their minority report to the RNC chair, the co-chair of the platform committee, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, but it remains unclear if their concerns will be addressed.

Conclusion
The GOP’s new platform on abortion, influenced by Trump’s vision, has stirred significant controversy within the party. The opaque process and perceived step back from the party’s traditional stance on abortion have left many conservatives feeling frustrated and disenfranchised. As the party prepares for the 2024 elections, the challenge will be to navigate these internal divisions and present a unified front on one of the most contentious issues in American politics.

The debate within the GOP over abortion policy underscores the broader ideological battles that continue to shape the party’s future. For law students and practicing lawyers, this evolving landscape offers a compelling case study in political strategy, party dynamics, and the intersection of law and public policy. As the GOP grapples with these issues, the legal implications of potential changes to abortion laws and constitutional amendments will remain a critical area of focus.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/08/trump-platform-gop-abortion-00166912