Burgum Says He’s ‘evolved’ on Abortion After Suggesting Women Were ‘unsafe’ in America Before Roe V. Wade

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R), a leading vice presidential candidate for former President Donald Trump, stated on Sunday that his views on abortion access had “evolved” in the eight years since he indicated women were unsafe before Roe v. Wade.

In an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker grilled Burgum on a clip from his 2016 gubernatorial campaign in which Burgum expressed concern about prohibiting abortion.

“When you outlaw the ability to terminate pregnancies and make it illegal, it just makes it unsafe for some of the most vulnerable people in the world — young women who are scared, who are afraid, who are in a spot, you know, that they don’t want to be in,” Burgum said in a 2016 interview. “America was an unsafe place for women before Roe v. Wade.”

Burgum said on Sunday that his views on the topic had shifted since the Supreme Court invalidated the constitutional right to abortion two years ago, and he attempted to reconcile his present position with the former president’s.

Welker then said, “So, by your standard, governor, is America unsafe for women as a result of Roe being overturned?”

“No, it’s not,” Burgum said. “And, of course, this is something that should have been returned to the States.”

“To be clear, that was a comment made over eight years ago.” And, of course, I’ve grown in that position,” he continued, clarifying that he now believes abortion legislation should be left to the states.

“And I’ve made it clear that I oppose a federal abortion ban. “I agree with President Trump on that, and it is something that must be left to the states,” Burgum added.

Burgum dismissed a query about whether his views have changed now that he wants to be Trump’s vice president, saying the only difference is in the quality of maternity care.

“Not at all,” Burgum answered when asked if his transformation is related to his VP aspirations. “I believe you and everyone else understand how care has changed over time. And I believe we can achieve both of those goals. We can ensure that we safeguard and honor life while still providing maternal care. And that will be best addressed on a state-by-state basis.”

Source: The Hill