I'm not saying I agree with the conclusion in this analysis, but it is odd that Trump would come up about of the blue with the idea that women who have abortions might themselves be punished, a statement he soon backtracked from. This was in response to the extremely unlikely hypothetical that was presented to him by a questioner, namely, what if a national anti-abortion law was passed and upheld by the courts.

Of course, no mainstream pro-life group has such a position, suggesting Trump is actually unfamiliar with the topic. It could be that, as he has said, he really did change his former "pro-choice" stance in response to discussions with someone he knows, but has not actually looked into the subject in detail. It does give one pause, however.

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Trump Is No Pro-Lifer
by Robert P. George
3-31-16

When candidates for high office are faking it in order to persuade a party's base that, appearances and past record to the contrary notwithstanding, they really, really are “with the program,” they step into dangerous territory. They need to say what the base wants to hear. Indeed, they need to sound like one of the faithful.

But since they are faking it, and not actually speaking from conviction, the risk is grave that they will say something that blows their cover. Indeed, the risk is always there that they will say something that sounds to true believers like a caricature or burlesque of the philosophy they are purporting to embrace.

Do you recall when it happened to Mitt Romney?

In responding to a challenge to the authenticity of his claim to be a true conservative, he proclaimed himself to be “severely conservative.” At that instant, every conservative in the country knew the former Massachusetts governor was faking it. For no conservative ever had, or ever would, describe conservatism (or his own conservatism) as “severe.”

Indeed Governor Romney had spoken of conservatives as liberals speak of conservatives, not as conservatives speak of (or understand) themselves. He might as well have confessed outright to being a phony. The effect would have been no different.

Now, predictably, Donald Trump has done it.

The Republican base is pro-life—solidly, fervently so. To win the Party's nomination, Trump—a life-long abortion supporter and Planned Parenthood enthusiast—therefore had to pretend to have experienced a Pauline conversion to the pro-life cause. To make sure everyone knew how deep and sincere his conversion was, he yesterday stated that women who have abortions should be punished. But in saying this, he gave himself away, just as Mitt Romney had done.

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http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2016/03/trump-is-no-pro-lifer