DHAKA: US Presidential candidate from Republican Party Donald Trump briefly called for “some form of punishment” for women who have abortions, if it became illegal.

His initial comments made during a town hall event with cable network MSNBC sparked a wave of criticism, reports the BBC.

However, Trump quickly reversed his position, saying only the person who performed the abortion should be punished.

But he maintained: “My position has not changed.”

The front-runner from Republican supports a ban on abortions, with certain exceptions.

Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973 after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Only the high court or a constitutional amendment has the power to overturn Roe v Wade and make abortion illegal.

Once a Democrat, Trump has been criticised for supporting abortion rights in the past.

BDST: 1202 HRS, MAR 31, 2016
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