JD Vance’s Controversial Proposal: Banning Interstate Travel for Abortions Surfaces

In a startling re-emergence of past comments, Ohio senator and vice-presidential candidate JD Vance finds himself amid controversy over a soundbite that has resurfaced online. The clip, a mere 48 seconds long, exposes Vance’s thoughts on the federal government intervening to penalize individuals who cross state lines to seek abortions. This snippet, recorded in January 2022, was made well before the Supreme Court’s monumental decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the summer of the same year and prior to Vance’s election to the Senate. Now, with Vance bidding for the vice presidency, the quote takes on an even more unsettling significance.

During an interview on the “Very Fine People” podcast—a title that appears to nod to then-President Trump’s contentious remarks about the Charlottesville white nationalist rally—Vance delves into a hypothetical scenario. He imagines a future where Roe v. Wade is overturned and Ohio enforces a ban on abortions. The bestselling author then weaves a narrative involving George Soros, a frequent target in conservative rhetoric, chartering a plane to transport predominantly Black women from Ohio to California for abortions. Vance posits that the left would herald this as a triumph of diversity, painting an almost dystopian picture of reproductive rights.

As the podcast hosts make light of liberal ideologies regarding reproductive and racial justice, Vance continues to explore the idea of a federal response to prevent such interstate travel for abortions. He describes the scenario as “really creepy” and expresses sympathy for the idea of federal intervention. Here, Vance reveals his hope that Ohio might one day prohibit abortions in California and that influential figures like Soros would respect such bans.

These comments, highlighted by CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski, underscore Vance’s broader stance on abortion. He openly admits during the interview that he supports making abortion illegal on a national scale. While his office has attempted to temper these remarks by stating that Vance acknowledges the public’s opposition to absolute abortion bans and supports exemptions for cases of rape and maternal health, his words on the podcast offer a stark look into his mindset when engaging with like-minded individuals.

The re-emergence of this clip places Vance’s views under intense scrutiny. In a political landscape already fraught with division over reproductive rights, his comments serve as a potent reminder of the high stakes involved. As Vance vies for the vice presidency, these resurfaced remarks could significantly influence public perception and voter sentiment.

Ultimately, Vance’s words on the “Very Fine People” podcast provide a vivid illustration of his conservative vision for America. Whether these comments will galvanize his supporters or alienate moderates and undecided voters remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this 48-second soundbite has thrust JD Vance into the national spotlight, raising critical questions about his stance on an issue that continues to deeply polarize the nation.