Mike Pence says federal abortion ban MUST come in spat with Nikki Haley: Former South Carolina governor says women shouldn’t be in jail for terminating a pregnancy and there should be a ‘respectful’ approach

Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Governor Nikki Haley—both of whom are self-declared “unashamedly pro-life”—discussed during the first Republican debate in Milwaukee over whether a federal abortion ban should be introduced.

Haley, the only female Republican candidate on stage, first addressed the issue by saying there needs to be a “common ground” approach that can unite all Americans in a “respectful” way without “demonizing” the issue.

“Can’t we all agree that we should ban late abortions? Can’t we all agree that we should encourage adoptions?’ she asked.

“And can’t we all agree that we’re not going to put a woman in prison or give her the death penalty if she has an abortion?” Haley continued, causing applause in the audience.

“When it comes to a federal ban, let’s be honest with the American people and say it takes 60 votes in the Senate, and it takes a majority of the House. In order to do that, let’s find consensus,” Haley said.

However, Pence disagreed, telling Haley that while she is a good friend, “consensus is the opposite of leadership.”

Pence disagreed, telling Haley that while she is a good friend, “consensus is the opposite of leadership”

“When the Supreme Court returned this question to the American people, they didn’t just send it to the states. It’s not just a matter of states. It’s a moral issue,” Pence said, referring to last year’s Roe v. Wade case overturned.

The former vice president argued that there should be a national standard of 15 weeks.

Haley then pointed out that there haven’t been more than 45 pro-life senators “in over 45 years,” so she said that “no Republican president” could actually ban abortion.

She fired back at Pence: “Don’t make women feel like they have to decide this issue when you know we don’t have 60 Senate votes in the House.”

In response, Pence said 70 percent of the American people agree that abortions should be banned as soon as a baby can feel pain.

Highlight moments from the first Republican primary debate include:

• US ‘decline’ shown in viral ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ issue is due to spending by Biden AND Trump administration, GOP hopefuls say
• ‘Outsider’ Vivek steals spotlight as ‘most experienced’ Vice President Pence says Americans want years in public service – not a ‘rookie’
• ‘Super PAC doll’ in the White House? Candidates are forced to answer or they are ‘bought’ by interest groups
• A national abortion ban divides Republican candidates: Pence supports a 15-week federal ban, while Nikki Haley says you have to be ‘real’ with the American people
• DeSantis says he is alone in taking action to stop “radically George Soros-funded” prosecutors and praises Florida’s 50-year low crime rate as Republicans offer solutions to drug and crime crisis
• All Republicans except Gov. Hutchinson say they will SUPPORT Trump whether or not he is convicted on any of his four charges
• Foreign policy skill is critical, says former UN ambassador Haley, criticizing Vivek for lack of experience “and it shows”
• Republican candidates split on providing more aid to Ukraine versus domestic issues, including finishing the border wall

Eight Republican candidates took the stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night in a high-stakes debate

Governor Ron DeSantis praised the six-week ban he recently signed in his state of Florida, but declined to pledge to support the same ban nationally.

“I will support the cause of life as governor and as president,” DeSantis said when asked directly if he supports a specific national ban.

“I’m going to side with life.”

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum distinguished himself by saying there should be no federal abortion ban.

“I am a pro-life governor of a very pro-life state, and this issue is obviously very important. But I’m sure, and I support that, we shouldn’t have a federal ban on abortion. We wouldn’t. And the reason why we shouldn’t is very simple: it’s the Tenth Amendment in the Constitution,” Burgum replied.

He believes that the issue should be decided on a state-by-state basis only.

Eight Republican candidates took the stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night in a high-stakes debate.

Trump refused to attend the debate because he is ahead of all his rivals in the polls by double digits.

The former president instead opted to participate in an interview hosted by Tucker Carlson, which aired five minutes before the debate began.

He is expected to arrive in Atlanta on Thursday for his arraignment in the Georgia election interference case.