Republicans try to soften stance on abortion as 'abolitionists' go farther

As some Republicans try to moderate their messaging on abortion over concerns about voter backlash this November, some activists are trying to go much further.

Outside a fertility clinic in Charlotte, N.C., last month, dozens of protestors lined both sides of the street, as some shouted toward the closed front door.

"How many children are in the freezer here? How many?" one man yelled, interspersing his speech with Bible verses.

"The fruit of the womb is the reward!" he shouted, referencing a verse from the book of Psalms.

The protest was organized by a group of activists who describe themselves as abortion abolitionists who recently spent a long weekend in Charlotte meeting and strategizing.

"We want to ban IVF," explained Matthew Wiersema, 32, of Gainesville, Ga., another protestor standing nearby. "We want to criminalize IVF."

Using the language of the antislavery movement, abortion abolitionists like Wiersema say they oppose all abortions — no exceptions — and want to criminalize the procedure. Many are also speaking out against IVF, at a time when most Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are stressing their support for the procedure.

"I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious little beautiful baby," Trump said during a speech in February. Trump noted that most Americans, including most who oppose abortions rights, support access to IVF.

This story is part of We, The Voters, a special 2024 Election series that dives into the issues that are top of mind for many voters. Read all the stories here.

His comments came after Alabama's Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through the process should be legally considered children.

Republicans there rushed