Carson joins a growing list of conservative politicians and commentators who argue that no-fault divorce degrades the American family unit.

In a 2016 sermon, now-House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., listed no-fault divorce laws as one of the causes turning the United States into a “completely amoral society.” Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, another Republican often mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump, has also said he believes that divorce is now too easy.

“This is one of the great tricks that I think the sexual revolution pulled on the American populace,” Vance said in 2021 in a video obtained by Vice News. “The idea that, like, ‘Well, OK. These marriages were fundamentally, they were maybe even violent, but, certainly, they were unhappy, and, so, getting rid of them and making it easier for people to shift spouses like they change their underwear, that’s going to make people happier in the long-term.’ Maybe it worked out for the moms and dads, though I’m skeptical. But it really didn’t work out for the kids of those marriages.”

While neither Johnson nor Vance have introduced legislation on the national level to roll back no-fault divorce, action has been taken on the state level. The official GOP platforms in Texas and Nebraska call for their state legislatures to rescind no-fault divorce laws. In Oklahoma, a Republican state senator introduced legislation in January to abolish no-fault divorce laws, although the bill has not passed.

State-Level Efforts and National Implications

The movement against no-fault divorce is gaining traction at the state level, reflecting a broader conservative push to reinforce traditional family values. Texas and Nebraska’s GOP platforms explicitly support the repeal of no-fault divorce, indicating a significant shift in state-level family law policy. Oklahoma's proposed legislation to abolish no-fault divorce, though not yet passed, signals a growing willingness among state lawmakers to reconsider divorce laws that have been in place for decades.

Carson’s Broader Advocacy

Carson’s book broadly advocates for a return to traditional, conservative family values. In addition to his push to end no-fault divorce, he calls for a national ban on abortion, urging men to “assume the responsibility of leadership” in families and advocating for cuts to welfare for single mothers to encourage marriage. Carson argues that these measures are necessary to restore the moral fabric of American society and strengthen the family unit.

The Debate Over No-Fault Divorce

No-fault divorce, which allows couples to dissolve their marriage without proving wrongdoing by either party, was introduced in the late 1960s and quickly spread across the United States. Proponents argue that it simplifies the divorce process and reduces the emotional and financial strain on families. Critics, however, contend that it undermines the institution of marriage by making it too easy to dissolve unions, potentially leading to higher divorce rates and negative outcomes for children.

Impact on Families and Society

Opponents of no-fault divorce, like Vance, argue that the ease of obtaining a divorce under current laws fails to consider the long-term impacts on children and society. They believe that by making divorce more difficult, families might be more inclined to work through their issues, thus preserving the family structure. Proponents of no-fault divorce, however, maintain that the ability to leave an unhappy or abusive marriage without navigating a complex legal battle is essential for personal freedom and well-being.

Future Directions

As the debate over no-fault divorce continues, the actions of state legislatures will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of family law in the United States. The increasing focus on traditional family values among conservative politicians suggests that further attempts to roll back no-fault divorce laws may emerge in other states. The broader societal implications of these changes will continue to be a topic of significant discussion and debate.

Carson’s call for a return to conservative family values and the ongoing state-level initiatives against no-fault divorce highlight the evolving landscape of family law and the enduring debate over the balance between personal freedom and societal norms.