On Politics

Tue Aug 29 2023

Marina Pitofsky | NOW reporter

Hi there OnPolitics readers! Voters who oppose abortion rights have long been thought of as safe Republican votes.

But anti-abortion activists have a clear message to the crowded field of 2024 GOP hopefuls: endorsements come with expectations.

In the 14 months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that guaranteed abortion rights in the United States, anti-abortion activists and organizations set their sights on a federal limit, USA TODAY's Savannah Kuchar reports.

These groups say they're looking for a presidential candidate who has been outspoken about this goal and the issue of abortion. At least, more so than what they've seen from most GOP candidates so far in the 2024 race for the White House.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, said the group is still in the process of deciding which candidate to support.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, one of the country's largest and most influential anti-abortion groups, says former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley doesn't currently measure up to her Republican rivals.

The group's vice president of communications, E.V. Osment, said she has her eye on Pence, as well as South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

"This is an extremely important issue to every American," Osment said. "They (candidates) need to be able to speak clearly and confidently on where they stand on this."