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Trump says he will vote against Florida abortion measure

The former US president backtracks from his apparent endorsement of the initiative to widen abortion rights in the state

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reacts as he speaks at a rally in  Pennsylvania. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump said he would vote against a Florida amendment that sought to expand abortion access, after the Republican presidential nominee drew anger from conservative allies by appearing to endorse the initiative.
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The referendum in Trump’s home state would broaden abortion rights, currently limited in the state to the first six weeks of a pregnancy.

“You need more time than six weeks. I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries, when I heard about it. I disagreed with it,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News ahead of a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

“At the same time the Democrats are radical because the nine months is just a ridiculous situation,” he added. “All of that stuff is unacceptable, so I’ll be voting no for that reason.”

Former US president Donald Trump faced a backlash from key groups of supporters for his apparent softening on Florida’s abortion measure. Photo: AP
Former US president Donald Trump faced a backlash from key groups of supporters for his apparent softening on Florida’s abortion measure. Photo: AP

The proposed change would allow abortions “before viability,” which is usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy, and to protect the mother’s health as determined by her healthcare provider.

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