DeSantis Campaign Press Release - Iowans Blast Trump for Calling Heartbeat Bills a "Terrible Thing"

DES MOINES, IA - Ahead of Donald Trump's visit to Iowa on Wednesday, conservative leaders in the Hawkeye State blasted Donald Trump for calling the heartbeat bills passed in both Iowa and Florida a "terrible thing" during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press this weekend.

"It is unconscionable that Trump believes he can negotiate innocent babies lives with those who want to terminate them. This is not an "Art of the Deal" moment. Life is a right guaranteed from our creator." - Pastor Mark Doland (Tama County)

"It is disappointing to hear that former President Trump is willing to move toward the left on the issue of abortion in his most recent comments on the subject on Sunday. To call the signing of a bill that bans abortions on the unborn with beating hearts in the first six weeks, 'a terrible thing and a terrible mistake,' is to call good evil and evil good. When it comes to the enactment of "heartbeat laws," I support Governor DeSantis of Florida and all other leaders in other states who are more interested in what is right than what may be perceived as popular." - Pastor John Vermeer (Lyon County)

"Trump's comments are a slap in the face to Iowans and the entire pro-life movement. We should never compromise with Democrats on protecting life. Trump should be prepared to hear from Iowans on his awful comments for the rest of the campaign." - House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl

"The Iowa Legislature proudly passed the heartbeat bill because when there is a Heartbeat there is life! President Trump thinks that protecting babies with a Heartbeat is a "terrible thing" and that he will compromise on life with the left. In Iowa, we don't compromise on what is right." - Speaker Pro Tem John Wills

"I could not be more disappointed with President Trump's criticism of Governor DeSantis and Florida's heartbeat law. What I think is a 'terrible thing' is a leader who shrinks away from the opportunity to lead on the issue of life. I'm now left wondering what else he's willing to deal away." - Pastor and Rep. Jon Dunwell
"It's disappointing to hear former President Trump call the heartbeat law 'a terrible thing.' We need someone in the White House who will stand for life and understands that a commitment to life means supporting parents and families before, during, and after pregnancies. That's why I chose to endorse Ron Desantis. He is committed to programs like making baby items tax-free and HOPE Florida which connects needy families with organizations that have resources to give. DeSantis knows that life starts with a heartbeat and to be pro-life requires continuing to walk with parents on their family journey." - Rep. Devon Wood

"Donald Trump is wrong. Ron DeSantis protecting life in Florida is not a terrible thing. What's terrible is the fact that the left is unwilling to put any limits on when a baby can be murdered. These are the people Trump is saying he will negotiate with. If it's up to AOC, Nancy and Chuck Schumer to help write abortion laws, more babies will die. I'm not willing to let that happen just so Trump can try and get the corporate media and the Left to like him. I stand with Ron DeSantis and protecting life." - Cody Hoefert, former co-chairman of the Iowa GOP

The Heartbeat Protection Act, signed by Ron DeSantis in April 2023, is the strongest pro-life protection in Florida history and is similar to the legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in July 2023.