Anti-abortion movement unified in swift rebuke of Donald Trump

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.

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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