First GOP presidential debate: on Abortion

Nikki Haley: Unapologetically pro-life, but no federal ban

HALEY: I am unapologetically pro-life. Having said that, we need to stop demonizing this issue. Unelected justices didn't need to decide something this personal, because it's personal for every woman and man. Now, it's been put in the hands of the people. That's great.

Q: What about a federal ban?

HALEY: Let's be honest with the American people and say it will take 60 Senate votes & a majority of the House. So in order to do that, let's find consensus. Can't we all agree that we should ban late term abortions? Can't we all agree that we should encourage adoptions? Can't we all agree that doctors and nurses who don't believe in abortion shouldn't have to perform them? Can't we all agree that contraception should be available? And can't we all agree that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion? Let's humanize the situation and stop demonizing the situation.

Ron DeSantis: I believe in a culture of life, and the Heartbeat Bill

Gov. Ron DESANTIS: I believe in a culture of life. I was proud to sign the Heartbeat Bill. I remember the most impactful moments of my life was when I heard the heartbeat of my oldest daughter in my wife's womb, and then saw the sonograms of all three of my kids. What the Democrats are trying to do on this issue is wrong, to allow abortion all the way up to the moment of birth.

Q: Would you sign a six-week ban federally?

DESANTIS: I'm going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand, Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to do different. But I will support the cause of life as governor and as president.

Q [to Gov. HALEY]: Your state today confirmed a 6-week abortion.

Nikki HALEY: I am unapologetically pro-life. Having said that, we need to stop demonizing this issue.

Doug Burgum: 10th Amendment says leave it to the states; no federal ban

Mike Pence: A 15-week ban is an idea whose time has come

Nikki Haley: Not enough pro-life senators to ban abortions

PENCE: I am being honest [in wanting a federal ban].

HALEY: We have had 45 pro-life senators in over 100 years. So no Republican president can ban abortions, any more than a Democrat president could ban all those state laws.

PENCE: 70% of the American people support legislation to ban abortion --

HALEY: But 70% of the Senate does not.

Tim Scott: No abortion on demand; cannot leave it to the states

Sen. Tim SCOTT: We cannot let states like California, New York, and Illinois have abortions on-demand up until the day of birth. That is immoral. It is unethical. It is wrong. We must have a president of the United States who will advocate and fight for at the minimum a 15-week limit. I am 100 percent pro-life conservative. I have 100 percent pro-life record. I've got to tell you, though, we must fight for life.

Gov. Nikki HALEY: When you're talking about a federal ban, be honest with the American people. We have had 45 pro-life senators in over 100 years. So no Republican president can ban abortions, any more than a Democrat president could ban all those state laws.