CINCINNATI — Former Vice-President Mike Pence stopped in Ohio to join a campaign against an initiative to guarantee access to abortions in the state.

While he’s ready and willing to campaign for that cause, he’s not prepared to say whether he’ll be joining the race for president.

What You Need To Know

  • Pence spoke at the 40th-anniversary gala for the public policy group, Center for Christian Virtue

  • The Center is gearing up for a campaign against an Ohio initiative to provide access to abortions in Ohio

  • Pence said he is praying about whether he is going to run for president

​Pence spoke at the Center for Christian Virtue’s gala celebration of 40 years. They’re a public policy group that’s already raised five million dollars to fight efforts for a ballot initiative that would guarantee access to abortions in Ohio.

“Ohio will loom large in the cause of life in the year ahead,” Pence said.

“The bottom line is there’s been no stronger advocate for life and for parental rights than Vice President Pence,” said Aaron Baer, the president of the Center for Christian Virtue.

“We’re just so grateful that he would come out for us today to stand with CCV.”

Pence spoke for about 15 minutes and then engaged in a question-and-answer session with Baer. Pence laughingly told the audience he would receive some “softball” questions. He then left the stage for a quick conversation with news outlets, including Spectrum News.

He said abortion and transgender issues will be front and center in the 2024 presidential campaign, two issues that brought out a handful of protesters to his appearance. 

“Values are always paramount to the American people and ensuring that my party stands for right to life and parents’ rights will be important,” Pence said. “But getting this economy turning around, getting safety back in our streets, securing the southern border of the United States, are of paramount importance as well.”

While parts of his message sounded like what might be heard on the presidential campaign trail, Pence said he isn’t ready to make any kind of announcement.

“We’re thinking through all that, we’re praying through all that,” Pence said. “As soon as I have something to announce to the people of Ohio, I’ll be sure to do it.”