GOP Acknowledges Political Fallout of Anti-Abortion Stance

House Republicans are facing political backlash and internal divisions over their anti-abortion policies following recent election losses in Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. While some GOP representatives, like Rep. Marc Molinaro, are urging the party to respect women's difficult choices and avoid politicizing the issue, others, including newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson, continue to prioritize banning abortion. The GOP's approach has shifted to attaching abortion restrictions to government funding bills, but this strategy has sparked backlash from moderate Republicans. The party is grappling with the political consequences of its anti-abortion stance, as Democrats have successfully used promises to protect abortion access to win elections. Republicans are now distancing themselves from federal action on abortion, emphasizing states' rights or other priorities. The piecemeal approach offered by the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions, seems to be emerging as the GOP's preferred strategy. However, Democrats remain committed to making abortion a central issue in their bid to regain control of the House.