Could Trump engineer a national ban on abortion?

[CTyankee]

I'm very serious. Could he do something that would override prochoice states that have enshrined Roe into their state laws?

[EarthAbides]

1. Yes...

Pretty soon the constitution will be total trash. He can then do anything he wants.

[LuvLoogie]

2. They are going to do it. Not sure by what method. It's not like the constitution will stop them.

Expect the worst in every aspect of our governance. In every case.

There are no guard rails. Not even the supreme court.

Trump got over half the electorate to believe him about it's enemies list.

It will be like a video game to them.

[SouthernCal_Dem]

5. Actually not half the electorate. He's going to get less than 50% when all the votes are tallied.

[peregrinus]

12. 75 million votes is what he got

75 million is only 22% of the total US population

[onenote]

3. Sure. A federal law banning abortion would override even state constitutional provisions.

It also almost certainly would ensure big gains for Democrats in the 2026 mid-terms. So even if it was proposed as a sop to the anti-choice crowd, it won't pass.

[SouthernCal_Dem]

4. Yes. nt

[Magoo48]

6. Depends upon how courageous the state Governments are.

It also depends on how many ways we can find to resist that result in sustainable damage to the MAGAt’s bottom lines. Our successes will depend on our commitment to holding them back.

[LakeVermilion]

7. Only the wealthy will have access.

That’s what was intended.

[calguy]

8. He doesn't have to engineer anything

It's already been engineered. The plans have been drawn for years. Trump will simply be the figurehead who signs all of this into law.
I expect a nationwide ban to go into effect within a year.

[RobinA]

11. Maybe Blame The People

who voted for Trump for his victory and stop broadbrushing everyone. It isn't helpful at the moment.

[BlueHurricane]

10. Yes he could and likely will.

Project 2025 wants Trump to use the Comstock law of 1873, a federal law that makes it illegal to send obscene materials including abortifacients in the mail. This is a law still on the books that was superseded by Roe V. Wade which made abortion legal until the Supreme Court overturned that with Dobbs.

In theory the anti abortion groups think Trump can simply enforce this law already on the books without congress and it would make sending abortion pills, which is the most common method of abortion, illegal in all states regardless of the current state law. Some think it could also make the medical tools required for abortion illegal as well. This would be catastrophic for all women.

I believe Alito and Thomas have already referenced Comstock in their rulings, seemingly supporting its’ resurrection. Additionally, over 40 republican wrote a letter to DOJ in 2023 to enforce Comstock. One those repubs was JD Vance.

That’s why I don’t understand folks voting to support abortion amendments and then also voting for Trump. He will likely ban abortion across the US.

[Happy Hoosier]

13. Of course he could. In fact, Congress is likely to pass one.

And after some grandstanding, Trump will sign it.