Trump promises to provide free IVF and voices his criticism of Florida’s six-week abortion ban as part of his efforts to reshape his stance on reproductive rights

Trump suggests providing free IVF for all women and criticizes Florida’s six-week abortion ban for being too short, indicating a shift in his position.

Donald Trump has promised to provide free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for all women and has voiced his opposition to a six-week abortion ban in Florida. This is seen as a recent attempt by the Republican to position himself as a champion of reproductive rights.

During a campaign stop on Thursday, Trump made a promise to ensure that the government or insurance companies would cover all costs for IVF if he is reelected as president in November.

“Because we desire an increase in the birth rate, to put it delicately,” Trump informed supporters in Potterville, Michigan, a crucial battleground state.

“However, the IVF treatments come with a hefty price tag,” the Republican Party candidate noted. It can be quite challenging for numerous individuals to accomplish and acquire. But I have always supported IVF since the very start.

Trump did not provide further details on the funding for the plans.

In addition, Trump mentioned that if he is re-elected, he plans to implement a policy that would enable new parents to deduct “major newborn expenses” from their taxes.

During an interview with NBC News earlier on Thursday, Trump expressed his opinion that the six-week limit on abortion, signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, is insufficient and suggested that there should be a longer timeframe.

It seems that Trump may be leaning towards voting in favor of an upcoming ballot measure in Florida that aims to ensure the right to an abortion until foetal viability. However, a campaign adviser clarified that the former president has not yet disclosed his stance on the measure.

Trump’s remarks are aimed at shifting Republicans’ perception on reproductive access, which has been identified as a factor affecting the party’s reputation among women.

On Friday, Trump, who selected three of the US Supreme Court justices that voted to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion, stated on his Truth Social platform that his administration would be supportive of women and their reproductive rights.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate, has consistently portrayed Trump as a danger to women’s rights, encompassing issues such as abortion, birth control, and fertility treatments.

During her speech in Georgia, Harris once again emphasized her concern that if elected, Trump would implement a nationwide abortion ban.

Why is there a lack of trust in women? We have full confidence in women! As president of the United States, I will proudly sign into law any bill passed by Congress to restore reproductive freedom,” she confidently stated.

Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, stated in an interview with NBC News that Trump would veto a national abortion ban if it were passed by Congress and sent to his desk.

Recent opinion polls indicate a decline in support for Trump among women voters following the replacement of President Joe Biden with the vice president as the Democratic contender.

According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, Harris has seen a significant increase in her lead over Trump among women. In July, her lead was nine percentage points, but it has now grown to 13 percentage points.

Although Trump’s attempt to project a more moderate stance on reproductive issues may attract support from certain groups, it runs the risk of distancing religious and anti-abortion voters, who form a substantial part of the Republican base.

According to Michael Brendan Dougherty, a writer for the conservative National Review, Trump’s shifting stance on abortion is causing concern among his pro-life supporters. They feel that he is gradually adopting a more liberal position, which is undermining their confidence in his commitment to their cause.