Former President Donald Trump addressed a staunchly anti-abortion Christian group in a pre-recorded message on Monday, urging them to stand up for “innocent life.” The event was hosted by The Danbury Institute, which is focused on eradicating abortion entirely. A panel of in-person speakers at the event doubled down on the anti-abortion stance, with a top Southern Baptist leader calling for a hardline position against in vitro fertilization, labeling it as a “commodification of the embryo” that assaults human dignity. Trump, who has taken credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, supports IVF access but wants to leave the abortion issue to the states.
The 2024 election is looming, and Trump’s message to the anti-abortion group emphasized the importance of preserving values such as religious liberty, free speech, innocent life, and America’s heritage. He urged attendees not to vote for Democrats, whom he claimed are against religion and their specific beliefs. Both Southern Baptists and Republicans are divided on abortion politics, with some pushing for immediate complete bans and others open to incremental measures. Polls show that a majority of Americans support some access to abortion, and abortion-rights groups have secured victories in conservative states like Kansas and Ohio.
Despite criticisms of his personal conduct and legal issues, including a conviction on 34 charges related to the 2016 election, many Southern Baptists still support Trump as an alternative to what they perceive as a Democratic agenda they oppose. The issue of abortion continues to be a key point of contention, with Democrats and President Biden’s campaign warning against the potential implications of a Trump presidency, including empowering organizations seeking to ban abortion nationwide. Trump’s campaign spokesperson reiterated his support for states’ rights to determine abortion laws and mentioned exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
The Southern Baptist Convention has shifted towards a more conservative stance since the 1980s, aligning with the wider religious movement that supported Republican presidents from Reagan to Trump. While some Republicans and evangelical Christians have criticized Trump’s behavior, including allegations of sexual misconduct, his continued support among some groups is rooted in his perceived defense of values like religious freedom. Trump has avoided endorsing a specific national limit on abortion, hinting at the complexities of the issue and suggesting a willingness to negotiate exceptions in a policy. He has framed the current state-level debates on abortion as a positive exercise in democracy, with people deciding their own laws.
Both the GOP and the religious right continue to grapple with internal divisions over abortion and other social issues. Trump’s appearance at The Danbury Institute underscores the ongoing debate within these groups and the broader political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, the focus on abortion, religious freedom, and other values remains a central theme, with both parties seeking to rally their base and appeal to swing voters. The role of conservative Christian organizations, like The Danbury Institute, in shaping the national conversation on abortion highlights the intersection of religion, politics, and social issues in America today.
