Dr. Ben Carson, often considered as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, has recently released a new book advocating for a federal ban on abortion, a stance that differs from Trump's. In his book titled "The Perilous Fight," Carson, a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon who served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration, emphasizes the need for legislation that guarantees the right to life for all American citizens, including the unborn.
Contrary to Carson's position, Trump has not explicitly called for a nationwide ban on abortion, instead suggesting that abortion policy should be determined by individual states. Despite this, the issue of abortion continues to be a divisive one for Republicans, especially in light of Trump's Supreme Court nominations, which have raised questions about the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Carson's book also touches on other conservative values, such as the importance of men assuming leadership roles in families and addressing the decline of the American family. He draws parallels between the Israel-Hamas conflict and what he perceives as an ongoing assault on American families, emphasizing the need to defend traditional family structures.
On the topic of abortion, Carson has long held conservative views. During his 2015 presidential campaign, he compared women who have abortions to "slave owners," arguing that allowing exceptions for rape and incest would be akin to condoning such acts. In his new book, Carson also calls for reductions in federal assistance for single mothers, arguing that welfare programs have created a cycle of dependence that harms children.
While the Trump campaign is reportedly still in the early stages of selecting a running mate, sources indicate that abortion is a consideration in the decision-making process. The Democratic group EMILY's List has already signaled its intention to criticize Trump's choice as an "extremist" on the abortion issue.