MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) signaled support for a 20-week ban on abortion after sidestepping about whether he would prohibit it nationwide.
Scott reiterated that he is “100%” anti-abortion rights and largely steered clear of opining on the controversial Texas ruling to freeze approval of an abortion pill during a swing through the Granite State.
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“There’s no doubt that I think the question asked earlier about the 20-week limit makes total sense to me,” Scott told reporters at a press gaggle following a meet and greet with New Hampshire voters. “I had a friend of mine in high school, her name was Jackie. … She was born at 22 1/2 weeks in 1965. So we should certainly always side with a culture that preserves and appreciates and respects life.”
Earlier in the gaggle, Scott was asked about his response to the recent court ruling in Texas to suspend Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone, a two-drug regimen for abortion.
The Justice Department is pursuing “emergency relief” from the Supreme Court over the case. The Texas ruling was handed down last Friday and contradicted a court ruling out of Washington.
“I would just simply say that the courts are on their way to solve the problem of these latest rulings as contradictory rulings from different judges. And we are starting to see that play out,” Scott said. “We're allowing the states to make decisions. But can we really not be in that category with China and North Korea as relates to abortion?“
Fellow South Carolinians former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) voiced concerns about the ruling out of Texas. When pressed further about abortion, Scott underscored the “extreme” position of the Left.
“We never actually have a conversation about the most radical position in this country are the people in the progressive party who believe that having an abortion on the 39th and 40th week, on the date of birth, is permissible. So I think we should continue to have that conversation,” he added.
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Scott held his meet and greet with Granite State voters at the Red Arrow Diner, a small venue packed with reporters and locals. He later met with local pastors and politicians.
His trip came on the heels of a stop in Iowa, where he announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, a step toward a presidential run. Scott is slated to visit South Carolina on Friday and deliver an update to donors.