“What does ‘My body, my choice,’ really mean?” – Melania Trump’s advocates for abortion rights in her upcoming memoir

In an unexpected move, Melania Trump shared a video promoting her memoir, where she strongly advocates for protecting women’s abortion rights. This stance presents a stark contrast to both: her husband, former President Donald Trump, and the Republican Party's position on the issue, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

Emphasizing her dedication to individual freedom, the former First Lady said in a promotional video posted on her social media accounts yesterday that "a fundamental principle that I safeguard."

“Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth,” Melania Trump said in the video, adding, “What does ‘My body, my choice,’ really mean?”

In her memoir, which was exclusively obtained by The Guardian, Melania Trump offers a unique perspective on the "My Body, My Choice" slogan. While usually associated with pro-choice activists, she argues that the phrase transcends political divisions.

“The slogan ‘My Body, My Choice’ is typically associated with women activists and those who align with the pro-choice side of the debate,” she says. Melania continues arguing that “But if you really think about it, ‘My Body, My Choice’ applies to both sides – a woman’s right to make an independent decision involving her own body, including the right to choose life. Personal freedom.”

In a portion of her memoir shared by The Guardian, Melania Trump further outlines her beliefs: “It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government,” she writes, addressing the ongoing debate over reproductive rights, which has been central to her husband’s ongoing campaign.

“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes,” she argues. Melania goes on to state, “Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body. I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”

Melania’s strong support of abortion rights comes at a pivotal point for the Republican Party, which has struggled to provide a cohesive message on the matter after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in 2022. The ruling, which ended the constitutional right to abortion, has since remained a dividing topic among American voters.

Although a lot of conservatives have praised the decision, studies reveal that most Americans disagree. As the Supreme Court gets ready to perhaps revoke the right to abortion, 54% of Americans feel the Roe decision should be upheld, while 28% believe it should be reversed according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Abortion has been a central issue in the 2024 race, with Donald Trump stating that he would veto a federal abortion ban if reelected, saying it should be left to the states based on voters' will. Trump positions himself as a "protector" of women, claiming that women won’t be "thinking about abortion" if he's elected.