Scott Perry faces abortion backlash in Pennsylvania election battle

Scott Perry, a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania's 10th district, is facing significant opposition from Democrats in his reelection campaign against Janelle Stelson. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has invested nearly $300,000 in advertisements criticizing Perry's support for the Life At Conception Act, which aims to ban all abortions without exceptions. Stelson's campaign highlights this legislation, portraying Perry as extreme for his stance on abortion, including the lack of exceptions for rape and incest. Perry, who has been in Congress since 2013, has consistently identified as pro-life but claims to support exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. His campaign argues that he is a strong advocate for in vitro fertilization treatments, attempting to counter the negative portrayal by his opponent. The Life At Conception Act, which Perry cosponsored, seeks to grant constitutional rights to unborn babies under the 14th Amendment. The political landscape has shifted since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, with Perry aligning with former President Trump’s view that abortion policy should be determined at the state level. He has publicly stated that he does not support a national abortion ban, emphasizing local decision-making on the issue. This stance reflects a broader GOP strategy as they navigate the contentious abortion debate leading into the November elections. Perry previously faced similar challenges during his 2022 campaign against Shamaine Daniels, where abortion was a key issue. Despite the current backlash, the Cook Political Report has rated Perry's seat as 'Lean Republican,' indicating that while he faces challenges, he may still have a favorable chance of retaining his position in Congress.