South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace has warned her conservative colleagues that they will "lose huge" if they continue passing strict abortion bans at the state level. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Mace discussed the Supreme Court's recent ruling to restrict access to the widely used abortion pill mifepristone and urged fellow members of the GOP to avoid extremes.
Mace, who describes herself as a "constitutional conservative who's pro-life," referenced a bill signed into law in Florida earlier this month banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, as well as another bill introduced in her home state that could impose the death penalty on women who have abortions. She called these efforts "the wrong message heading into '24."
Representative Nancy Mace has emerged as one of few House Republicans urging her colleagues to find a more moderate stance on abortion. She warned that Republicans risk significant losses in 2024 if states continue passing restrictive abortion bans. In an effort to promote moderation, she suggested including exceptions for rape and incest while maintaining access to birth control.
Mace also highlighted Florida’s controversial six-week abortion ban legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis—an expected presidential candidate—in April. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu weighed in on the issue, stating that voters under 45 are looking for a new generation of Republicans; however, if they stay within their traditional lanes, they may face failures similar to those experienced during the 2022 elections.
In conclusion, Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) predicts massive losses for Republicans in upcoming elections should anti-abortion extremism persist among party members. Citing recent examples such as legislation passed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina lawmakers' attempts at imposing extreme penalties like execution for women seeking abortions—along with current public sentiment—she warns fellow Republicans of the potential consequences if they continue down this path.