Trump adviser, possible veep choice Flynn says abortion is a woman's choice

close

Video

Gen. Flynn: We must not forget Orlando and San Bernardino

Retired United States Army lieutenant general talks response to terror threats on 'The Kelly File'

One of Donald Trump's potential running mates, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, said Sunday that women should be the ones to decide whether to have an abortion, a statement that counters Republican policy asserting constitutional rights for the unborn.

“These are difficult issues, but I think women … are the one that have to make the decision because they are the ones that are going to decide to bring up that child or not," Flynn, a Trump adviser and purportedly a registered Democrat, said on ABC's "This Week."

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said Flynn's position on abortion "disqualifies him" from being Trump's vice president.

“His pro-abortion position is unacceptable and would undermine the pro-life policy commitments that Mr. Trump has made throughout the campaign," Dannenfelser said in a statement.

Flynn is one of several people who Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is considering for his vice president. He is expected to announce his decision at week's end.

Among his other potential VP picks are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former House Speaker Rep. Newt Gingrich and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Trump says he opposes abortion with exceptions but has struggled over the issue.

In March, Trump said that if abortion is banned in the United States, which would make the procedure illegal, there should be a punishment. However, he recanted the remarks hours later.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.