NBC News noted this week that Republicans were already struggling to coalesce around a message on abortion rights ahead of the 2024 elections, but “a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision finding that embryos created through in vitro fertilization are considered children has put them in a new bind.”
Politico had a related report, adding, “The long tail of the Dobbs ruling just keeps whipping Republicans with thorny political consequences.”
For some, however, the challenge is especially acute. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, for example, is auditioning to be Donald Trump’s running mate, and he’s hit the campaign trail in support of the former president. At his latest press conference, the Republican was asked whether he agreed with the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Well, I haven’t studied the issue,” the senator replied.
Reporter: The Alabama Supreme Court rules that embryos are children. Is that a stance you agree with?
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 22, 2024
Scott: I haven’t studied the issue pic.twitter.com/6WJvwclQnr
To be sure, this is a standard dodge for any politician. Scott is no doubt aware of how controversial the decision in Alabama is, but he doesn’t want to alienate those in the GOP base who agree with it. Simply feigning ignorance was the easy call.
But the idea that the senator hasn’t “studied the issue” is problematic.








