In a decision that reflects the changing landscape of American politics, delegates at the Republican National Convention approved a new party platform on Monday that embraces presumptive nominee Donald Trump's political positions. The most notable shift in the platform is the abandonment of the party's long-standing support for national restrictions on abortion, opting instead for a leave-it-to-states approach. This move infuriated some anti-abortion advocates within the party who see it as a betrayal.

The new platform still maintains language linking abortion to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which opens the possibility for legislation or court decisions granting fetuses additional legal rights. However, for many anti-abortion advocates, the watered-down language feels like a faithless departure from a core principle of the GOP base.

This shift in the party's public stance on abortion is a direct consequence of the Supreme Court's decision in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling that protected abortion rights for over 50 years. While Trump and other Republicans had previously called for national restrictions on abortion and the previous platform endorsed a federal ban after 20 weeks of pregnancy, they have since altered their positions in response to losses suffered by anti-abortion forces at the polls.

Several battleground states, including Arizona and Nevada, are expected to have abortion referendums on the ballot this year, further fueling the ongoing debate around reproductive rights. The newly approved platform reflects Trump's vision for a second term, according to Republican National Committee spokesperson Danielle Alvarez.

Despite the platform being a non-binding document, the Republican Party's shift on abortion has sparked anger among many anti-abortion advocates. Protests took place outside the convention, with demonstrators displaying signs and shouting slogans against the revised stance. Some attendees, including prominent GOP activist Gayle Ruzicka, felt "rolled over" by the outcome and expressed disappointment with the lack of clarity on the right to life for fetuses.

The platform also deviates from its previous opposition to same-sex marriage, now stating that "Republicans will promote a Culture that values the Sanctity of Marriage." Trump personally reviewed and edited the draft platform before its approval, further indicating his influence over the party's direction.

The closed-door meeting where the vote took place broke with tradition, with no live coverage and limited opportunity for extensive discussion. The previous plans for a floor fight over the abortion language were abandoned following the Saturday assassination attempt against Trump, as activists recognized the changed circumstances.

The language in the platform, which refers to the 14th Amendment guaranteeing no person be denied life or liberty without due process, was considered a win by some groups such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and the Faith and Freedom Coalition. However, critics argue that the absence of a clear statement recognizing the right to life for fetuses leaves the language lacking.

As the Republican National Convention progresses, the focus on the revised party platform, especially on abortion rights and same-sex marriage, brings attention to the evolving dynamics within the GOP. The upcoming election in a dozen states will give voters a chance to shape the future of abortion rights through constitutional amendments. Democratic candidate Joe Biden supports legal access to abortion, while Trump believes the issue should be left to individual states. The contrasting stances of the two candidates highlight the significance of reproductive rights in this pivotal election year.