Nikki Haley received loud applause when she used the third Republican debate to call for “consensus” and civility in the key election debate on abortion.
The former South Carolina governor said she would not commit to a specific time limit and wanted the decision left up to individual states.
She said if Republicans were to pursue a federal ban, it would have to be a “realistic” ban that could be passed by Congress.
Haley said, “I would support anything that passes (Congress) because that would save more babies and support more mothers, but you have to be honest with the American people.
“What I’m saying to the American people is, let’s bring people together and see what we can agree on.
Nikki Haley received support from the public with her answer about abortion
Haley debates with the four other candidates
“(As president) I would sign anything that would get 60 votes in the Senate. But don’t let the American people think that you’re going to force something on them when you don’t even have the votes in the Senate.’
She added: “This is a personal issue for every woman and every man. So when we look at this, there are some states that are more on the pro-life side. I am happy that.’
“There are some states that are more pro-choice. I wish that wasn’t the case, but the people decided. We don’t need to divide America over this issue anymore.”
Haley was pressured by fellow candidate Tim Scott, the pro-life senator from South Carolina, to support a fifteen-week ban, but she did not.
Haley was challenged on abortion by Tim Scott (R)
Nikki Haley explains her position on abortion after the debate
The debate came a day after Republicans lost control of the legislature in Virginia, where a key part of the party’s campaign was a proposed 15-week ban.
Also on Tuesday, Ohio voters who voted for Donald Trump in 2020 approved a state term limit of longer than 20 weeks.
After the debate, Haley said Republicans should not condemn Democrats for being pro-choice.
And she reiterated that “realistic” compromises must be found.
She said: ‘I think boys deal with this differently. I look at it from the perspective that this is personal to every woman and every man in America.
“I had a roommate who was raped in college. I wouldn’t wish what she went through wondering if she was pregnant on anyone.”
“What I will tell you is that I am completely pro-life in every way. I just don’t judge someone for being pro-choice.”
Haley added; ‘I don’t want to see this divide. Women don’t want to be divided about this. I want this to get into the hands of the people.”
“But if you’re here to talk about a federal bill, at least be honest with the American people. You have Republicans trying to push something that isn’t even realistic.”