Former first lady Melania Trump outlined her strong support for abortion access in her upcoming memoir.
A copy of the book, obtained by the Guardian, reportedly revealed that the former first lady is strongly in favor of abortion access, a stance that hasn’t been reported previously. She devoted substantial space in her book to voice seemingly unconditional support for abortion access, saying there was “no room for negotiation” on the matter.
“It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government,” the former first lady wrote.
“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes,” she added, a position in opposition to her husband.
“Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body. I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life,” she continued.
The former first lady wrote that support for abortion access was “a very straightforward concept” and inseparable from human rights. She went a step further and said that any cultural stigma around abortion should be removed.
“When confronted with an unexpected pregnancy, young women frequently experience feelings of isolation and significant stress. I, like most Americans, am in favor of the requirement that juveniles obtain parental consent before undergoing an abortion,” she wrote. “I realize this may not always be possible. Our next generation must be provided with knowledge, security, safety, and solace, and the cultural stigma associated with abortion must be lifted.”
Trump then expressed support for abortion access activists and protesters.
“The slogan ‘My Body, My Choice’ is typically associated with women activists and those who align with the pro-choice side of the debate,” the outlet cited her as writing. “But if you really think about it, ‘My Body, My Choice’ applies to both sides — a woman’s right to make an independent decision involving her own body, including the right to choose life. Personal freedom.”
The former first lady’s comments are sure to draw ire from many within the Republican Party, which has largely maintained its opposition to abortion though has put the issue on the back burner in most elections. Some anti-abortion groups have expressed anger with former President Donald Trump for not taking a harsher stance against abortion.
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Melania Trump wrote that she and her husband disagree on some topics, but she has made it a point to discuss the issues privately rather than publicly.
Her memoir is set to be released on Tuesday.