His stance was not what she wanted to hear.
During an interview released on Wednesday, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that he would support women’s right to have abortions at full term if that was their choice. This declaration on abortion policy, the latest among various responses Kennedy has provided, elicited a surprised reaction from his running mate.
Podcaster Sage Steele queried Kennedy about the limits on abortion during their conversation. She specifically asked whether women should have the right to abortion up to full term. Kennedy expressed his view that while he doesn’t believe anyone would opt for abortion at eight months of pregnancy, he believes the decision should be in the hands of women rather than the government.
Despite Steele’s continued questioning on whether Kennedy aligns with the Roe v. Wade standard or supports state-level decisions on abortion, Kennedy reiterated his stance that the decision should rest with the mother, even in the case of full-term abortions. This response appeared to catch his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, off guard.
In a prior podcast episode featuring Shanahan, Steele asked about Kennedy’s position on full-term abortions, to which Shanahan expressed surprise. Shanahan clarified that her understanding of Kennedy’s stance was different, emphasizing that she believed Kennedy supported limitations on abortion.
Shanahan, sharing her personal views on abortion, stressed her discomfort with anyone having control over her body but also expressed reservations about terminating a viable life, particularly if both the mother and baby are healthy. Kennedy’s stance on abortion has varied over time, with previous statements indicating support for a national abortion ban after the first three months of pregnancy before later clarifications from his campaign.
