Trump comment on Hyde Amendment draws criticism from pro-lifers

As far as pro-lifers are concerned, the Hyde Amendment is the saving grace that prevents the government from funding nationwide abortions.

Well, Trump just told the GOP to be flexible when it comes to the Hyde Amendment, and it went over like a ton of bricks.

Some very serious conservative groups are now upset with Trump, and this could really hurt Republicans in the mid-term election cycle.

The Hyde Amendment

This amendment was passed in 1976, and it has since been altered several times by Congress.

The simple explanation of the legislation is that it blocks federal funding to be used for abortion, save few exceptions.

That would be the mother’s health, or if the pregnancy was a result of incest or rape.

These are the same exceptions suggested in most pieces of abortion legislation, even though Congress has never been able to present a bill that both sides could agree upon.

Be Flexible

For the GOP, this amendment is written in stone, and it will not be disregarded, but Trump is now showing some weakness, telling Republicans to be “flexible” on it.

Trump told Republicans, "You have to be a little flexible on Hyde, you know that.

"You gotta be a little flexible. You gotta work something … we’re all big fans of everything. But you have to have flexibility."

The reaction from pro-life groups was immediate and negative, as we would have expected.

Pro-Life Pushes Back

Life News posted, "No President Trump, we will NEVER compromise on the Hyde Amendment. NO taxpayer funding of abortions. Period.”

Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, arguably the most influential and powerful pro-life group in the country, was furious, stating, "For decades, opposition to taxpayer funding of abortion and support for the Hyde Amendment has been an unshakeable bedrock principle and a minimum standard in the Republican Party.

“To suggest Republicans should be ‘flexible’ is an abandonment of this decades-long commitment. If Republicans abandon Hyde, they are sure to lose this November."

Trump has to backtrack on his comments, and he has to do it now. Claim whatever you want, it was out of context, deny saying it… I really don’t care. But if Trump does not take that comment back, the GOP has some rather significant problems on its hands.