‘Thoughtful response’: Internet split as RFK Jr backtracks on support for ‘full-term’ abortions after pressure from campaign

WASHINGTON, DC: Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr once again backtracked on his abortion stance, declaring he would not support abortion at full term but only until a certain number of weeks, reported NBC News.

On Friday, May 10, Kennedy, in a lengthy X post, announced his changed standpoint due to pressure from his campaign.

"Abortion has been a notoriously divisive issue in America, but actually I see an emerging consensus — abortion should be legal up until a certain number of weeks, and restricted thereafter," the White House hopeful wrote.

"Once the baby is viable outside the womb, it should have rights and it deserves society's protection," he continued.

Why did RFK Jr change his abortion stance?

Kennedy's latest U-turn came after an interview with former ESPN host Sage Steele last week, where he stated abortion should rest in the hands of the women and not the government. However, he added that no one would undergo the procedure during the eighth month of pregnancy.

The independent contender's running mate Nicole Shanahan expressed surprise at Kennedy's position.

According to her, the environmental lawyer "absolutely believes in limits on abortion", adding they had talked about the same. Shanahan refused to accept his statement and claimed it might have been a miscommunication.

Kennedy admitted that his prior assumption about late-term abortion being performed solely in cases of fatal conditions was wrong as he defended his current stance.

"Sometimes, women abort healthy, viable late-term fetuses. These cases of purely 'elective' late-term abortion are very upsetting," he wrote on X.

Furthermore, he added that his willingness to listen to others' perspectives helped him and promised to continue to listen and incorporate them into his decisions.

"I support the emerging consensus that abortion should be unrestricted up until a certain point. I believe that point should be when the baby is viable outside the womb. Therefore I would allow appropriate restrictions on abortion in the final months of pregnancy, just as Roe v Wade did," the presidential hopeful asserted.

Delving into the reasons why women choose abortion, Kennedy blamed affordability. To avoid the economic struggles causing abortion, he highlighted a 'More Choices, More Life' policy to support motherhood, parents, and families.

Kennedy also pledged to unveil universally affordable childcare to limit childcare expenses to 10% if elected.

Internet divided over RFK Jr's position on abortion

While one group of social media users lauded Kennedy's decision to walk back on full-term abortion, another criticized him.

One user wrote, "Thoughtful response. Thank you sir!!"

While another remarked, "Liar - you just said you’d support full term abortions yesterday. Surprise, another far left hack who lies every time he opens his mouth for votes. Fraud."

"Only if our currently elected representatives changed their views based on the views of their constituents. We would have a much different government today. You are proving that you are capable of doing this job," a third user said.

Whereas a fourth response read, "You’re a liar and a fraud We have seen your true colors. You are a far leftist and you hate republicans and right leaning independents."

Someone else wrote, "Anyone that is fine with Trump's stance has to be equally as fine with this. At least Kennedy seems to listen and care about both sides."

On the other hand, an individual said, "The way this guy changes shows he can’t be trusted."

"This sounds like the most sensible outline of policy that has come out of the US in years. It closely matches Nordic countries, where there is no need to legislate or debate and therefore no major issue on the topic," a remark read.

While, another person, added, "I'm sorry but RFK Jr. flip flops more than anyone out there. He said that it was okay to abort a full term baby."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.