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Donald Trump: Women should be punished for illegal abortions Donald Trump: Punish women for illegal abortions
(35 minutes later)
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for "some form of punishment" for women who have abortions, if it becomes illegal. Presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for "some form of punishment" for women who have abortions, if the procedure became illegal.
However, the front-runner did not disclose what that punishment would be, during a town hall event with cable network MSBNC. However, the Republican front-runner did not disclose what that punishment would be, during a town hall event with cable network MSBNC.
Mr Trump supports a ban on abortions, with certain exceptions.Mr Trump supports a ban on abortions, with certain exceptions.
Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973 after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973 after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Only the high court has the power to overturn Roe v Wade and make abortion illegal.
Once a Democrat, Mr Trump has been criticised for supporting abortion rights in the past.Once a Democrat, Mr Trump has been criticised for supporting abortion rights in the past.
Republican leaders have expressed concern about Mr Trump's prospects in the general election because polls shows that the New York businessman is extremely unpopular with female voters. Some anti-abortion groups criticised Mr Trump's comments.
"Mr Trump's comment today is completely out of touch with the pro-life movement and even more with women who have chosen such a sad thing as abortion," said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund.
"No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion."
Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton has been an outspoken critic of Mr Trump's stance on women's issues.Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton has been an outspoken critic of Mr Trump's stance on women's issues.
"Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling," said Mrs Clinton after his latest comments."Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling," said Mrs Clinton after his latest comments.
Republican leaders have expressed concern about Mr Trump's prospects in the general election because polls show that the New York businessman is extremely unpopular with female voters.
Mr Trump has come under fire for disparaging women including former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina and TV presenter Megyn Kelly.
"If Trump's words about women - calling us 'disgusting', 'slobs' and 'fat pigs' - didn't scare us, this should," said Kate Black of Emily's List, a group committed to electing female Democrats who support abortion rights.
His campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was arrested on Tuesday, accused of a minor assault on a female reporter. Mr Trump has vehemently defended Mr Lewandowski.
More on the Trump campaign
The 40-year hurt - how Bruce Springsteen articulated the forces that underpin the rise of Trump
Trumpisms - 22 things that Trump believes
A civil war - Lifelong Republicans turned off by Trump
Anti-abortion activists traditionally have avoided placing blame on women who undergo abortions, but have focused on those who perform the procedure.Anti-abortion activists traditionally have avoided placing blame on women who undergo abortions, but have focused on those who perform the procedure.
In recent years, conservatives have sought to tighten restrictions on abortion clinics and doctors rather than seek an outright ban.In recent years, conservatives have sought to tighten restrictions on abortion clinics and doctors rather than seek an outright ban.
Abortion rights advocates say these measures are meant to restrict women's access to abortion. The new laws particularly pervasive in the conservative southern states. Abortion rights advocates say these measures are meant to restrict women's access to abortion.
The new laws are particularly pervasive in conservative southern states.