Pennsylvania, United States

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance on Saturday (Oct 5) addressed the Trump campaign's stance on abortion.

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Just days after former first lady Melania Trump voiced her support for a woman's right to abortion, Vance defended the campaign's conservative position on the issue.

A 'messy democracy'

Emphasising state-level autonomy over abortion laws, Vance said, "I don't think our campaign messaging has been inconsistent at all." 

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Talking to reporters, he said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's view allows states to shape their own abortion regulations. 

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"On the abortion question, the president's been very clear that he wants Georgia to make Georgia's laws, California to make California's laws and to respect the fact that we kind of have a messy democracy where sometimes different states are going to make different determinations on these issues," he said.

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What did Melania Trump say on abortion?

The comments come days after Melania Trump, the former first lady and Donald Trump's wife, made remarks that seemed to contrast her husband's more moderate tone. In a video released on Thursday (Oct 3), Melania expressed firm support for a woman's right to "individual freedom," and said there was "no room for compromise". This stance diverged from Trump's previous statements and the Republican Party's platform.

Vance was asked about the former first lady's comments and offered a measured response. "I adore the First Lady," he said, adding that she's entitled to her opinions.

Also read | 'It's about autonomy,' Melania Trump breaks ranks, contradicts husband Donald's views on abortion in memoir

"She's a very impressive person and is a great wife to the once and future president of the United States. She's got her opinions, right? And I think it's totally reasonable for her to express those opinions."

"They're not the same opinions that I might have. They're not the same opinions as every Republican might have. But Melania Trump has the right to express her viewpoint," he added. 

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has frequently bragged that his three Supreme Court picks paved the way for the 2022 overturning of the pivotal Roe v Wade — the national right to abortion. His position on abortion has shifted over the years. He was "very pro-choice" in the 1990s before declaring himself "pro-life" in 2011. This year, Trump has hinted at supporting a national abortion ban.

(With inputs from agencies)