Former President Donald Trump declined to say whether he would veto a national abortion ban, leaving his stance on this divisive issue somewhat ambiguous as abortion continues to play a prominent role in election debates.

 During this week’s debate, former President Donald Trump repeatedly declined to say whether he would veto a national abortion ban if elected again, a question that has remained prominent as his position on the issue has shifted over time.

In Tuesday’s debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said he would not sign a federal abortion ban, arguing that such a bill wouldn’t pass Congress. However, when asked twice whether he would veto such legislation if it reached his desk, Trump avoided giving a direct answer.

His running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, had previously told NBC News that Trump would veto a national abortion ban. When pressed on Vance’s statement, Trump responded, “I didn’t discuss it with JD, in all fairness. And I don’t mind if he has a certain view, but I don’t think he was speaking for me.”

The exchange occurs as voters and advocates on both sides of the abortion debate await further clarification from Trump on his shifting positions. Democrats have warned that reproductive rights could be at risk under a second Trump presidency. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris used Tuesday night’s debate to reaffirm her support for reinstating federal protections for abortion access