The former president is reportedly telling advisers and associates in private that he supports a ban on abortions after 16 weeks of pregnancy.
But the conservative groups and other allies recognize they need policies that can be enacted without Congress, because even if Trump were to publicly endorse specific limits, there is little chance such a national ban could become law.
Abortion historically has never been a major priority for Trump, though he was happy to embrace anti-abortion policies in his first term and credits himself for appointing three of the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.
Trump for months has evaded taking a direct stance on abortion policy and has so far been able to avoid the backlash for unpopular abortion bans at the state level.
One GOP strategist noted Trump won over evangelical voters during his first term, and the former president romped to an easy victory in the Iowa caucuses in January despite having previously criticized a six-week abortion ban.
Trump’s vacillating positions on abortion frustrated anti-abortion groups earlier in the campaign, but they have put aside their criticisms to focus on what a second Trump term could do for the anti-abortion movement.
The plans being drawn up would go far beyond a 16-week ban, which would impact only a small number of abortions.
Among other policies eyed for 2025, the groups suggest Trump could:
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Immediately reinstate many of the policies President Biden has since rolled back, such as restrictions on fetal tissue research and limits on federally funded clinics that provide contraception and STD testing.
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Roll back access to abortion pills, reimposing a requirement that they be dispensed in-person at a physician’s office rather than by mail or at a pharmacy.
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Reimpose a rule to protect the “conscience” rights of medical workers to refuse to provide care based on their religious or moral beliefs.
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Undo the Pentagon policy providing paid leave to service members who travel for an abortion, as well as policies allowing abortions to be done at Veterans Affairs facilities.
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Appoint officials who would enforce the Comstock Act, a 150 year-old law that would criminalize the shipping of any materials used in an abortion.
