GOP in key states tries to slow anti-abortion push

Republican leaders fear voter backlash

MILWAUKEE — The anti-abortion movement won approval of tough new abortion restrictions in many Republican states this year, but the effort is running into resistance in the Midwest and in some southern border states.

Leading Republicans in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and other swing states want to fend off new abortion proposals to avoid alienating voters not enamored of the party’s aggressive social agenda. They are particularly concerned about women and young people.

GOP leaders said the emphasis on abortion is distracting from the party’s ideas for improving the economy.

Anti-abortion activists said they will continue to push for more abortion restrictions in these states, however. The movement has gotten 170 abortion laws passed in 30 states since the GOP won control of a majority of statehouses three years ago.