NEW YORK -- Donald Trump's remark that women getting abortions were they to be banned should be punished drew swift, unified condemnation from the anti-abortion movement - evidence of the distinctive role it plays at a time when many right-of-center constituencies are struggling with their responses to the Republican presidential front-runner.
Trump soon backtracked from Wednesday's comments, but not before anti-abortion leaders repudiated him.
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WATCH VIDEO: Donald Trump sparks outrage over abortion comments
Mike Gonidakis of Ohio Right to Life says the foundational premise of the pro-life movement is to protect both the mother and the unborn child.
Alesha Doan, a University of Kansas political science professor, said Trump's remarks undercut the movement's strategy of voicing empathy with women considering abortion.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign stop, Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Appleton, Wis. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)