In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Nikki Haley sided with the extreme Alabama Supreme Court decision that legally recognized frozen embryos as children. “When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that’s a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that,” said Haley during the interview.
It’s the second major time that Haley let her true anti-reproductive rights position slip on the campaign trail. In November, after months of vague statements on the issue, Haley’s mask-off moment first arrived when she confirmed she’d sign a six-week abortion ban in her home state if she were still governor.
“If there were any questions about Nikki Haley’s position on reproductive rights, she answered them by siding with a court ruling that jeopardizes reproductive care for millions of people trying to start a family. She’s let her true colors show once again. Haley isn’t moderate, she’s an extremist who will roll back the clock on reproductive rights as president,” said American Bridge 21st Century Presidential Campaigns Communication Director Brandon Weathersby.
Nikki Haley has a long history of working to restrict abortions and reproductive health care:
- After the overturn of Roe, Haley called the decision “a victory” and said that “millions of Americans have prayed for this day.”
- Haley expressed vehement opposition to Colorado codifying the right to an abortion.
- In 2016, Haley signed a law banning abortions in South Carolina at 20 weeks.
- The law signed by Haley was very similar to legislation she voted for as a member of the state legislature in 2009.
- In 2012, Haley signed a law barring taxpayer-funded abortions under the Affordable Care Act.
- As a state representative, Haley supported so-called “personhood” legislation that said constitutional rights began at fertilization.
- She also wanted to mandate ultrasounds and force the pregnant person to sign a written declaration confirming that they viewed ultrasound pictures before they were allowed to proceed with an abortion.
- Haley also voted to table amendments that would waive the requirements if pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.
Published: Feb 21, 2024