John Kasich: Women Should Not be Punished for Having an Abortion

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Mar 31, 2016   |   10:10AM   |   Washington, DC

Donald Trump’s comment, and subsequent backtracking, of a claim that women should be “punished” for having an abortion has sparked furious debate nationwide and within pro-life circles.

In a new interview, pro-life Ohio Governor and Republican presidential candidate John Kasich says he disagrees with punishing women who have abortions by putting them in jail.  Here’s what Kasich had to say:

TODD: “Chris Matthews asked Donald Trump should there be some form of punishment for women who have an abortion? And Trump says yeah, I think there should be a punishment. He didn’t describe what that punishment is. I know you’re somebody who believes abortion should be banned. should women who get abortions be punished?”

KASICH: “Absolutely not. I do have exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother, but abortions shouldn’t be punished. I’m sure Donald Trump will say he didn’t say it or he was misquoted or whatever, but i don’t think so. I don’t think that’s an appropriate response and it’s a difficult enough situation than to try to punish somebody.”

TODD: “Let me ask this, how do you enforce a ban on abortion?”

KASICH: “Look, I think it’s rape, incest and life of the mother and you build some restrictions around it. But I think you have to be very careful on the way you do it.”

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