Former President Donald Trump heavily defended his effort of overturning Roe v. Wade and giving the decision back to the states during the presidential debate Thursday.

When asked if he would block abortion medication, Mr. Trump said he stands by the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow an abortion pill, and then doubled down on overturning Roe v. Wade, saying that “everybody” wanted abortion to be decided by the states.

“Fifty-one years ago we had Roe v Wade and everybody wanted to get it back to the States. Everybody. Without exception. Democrats, Republicans, liberals, conservatives, everybody wanted it back. Religious leaders,” he said.

He also reiterated that he believes in exceptions in cases of incest, and the life of the mother, and suggested that not having exceptions is political suicide.

“I think it’s very important. Some people don’t. Follow your heart, but you have to get elected also,” he said.

President Biden hit back that overturning Roe v. Wade has been a “terrible thing,” and talked about the six-week limit some states have on abortions, like Georgia.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.