Democrats advocate for nationwide access to late-term abortion, while labeling the GOP as extreme.
Late-Term Abortion: A Contentious Debate
Late-term abortion has become a focal point in the ongoing battle between Republicans and Democrats, with each side attempting to portray the other as extreme. While some Democrats deny supporting “abortion up until birth,” they have endorsed measures that allow late-term abortions or eliminate gestational restrictions altogether, while accusing Republicans of extremism on the issue.
Flipping the Script
Anti-abortion groups, like SBA Pro-Life America, have urged Republicans to turn the tables on Democrats. They highlight liberal support for controversial late-term abortions, particularly in the wake of political losses attributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“Sadly, today’s Democratic Party allows for no dissent on abortion, refusing to list support for a single protection for babies in the womb,” says E.V. Osment, Vice President of Communications at SBA Pro-Life America.
Former President Donald Trump has also joined the fray, arguing that it is not the pro-life advocates who are radical, but rather those who support late-term abortions. He referenced a comment made by former Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, where he discussed a pro-abortion bill being considered in the Virginia General Assembly.
A Controversial Statement
During a CNN town hall in May, Trump claimed that Democrats advocate for “ripping the baby out of the womb at the end of the ninth month” and “killing the baby in the ninth month.” While Northam’s comment was couched in the context of severe deformities, the bill in question would have allowed late-term abortions for reasons related to the mental health of the woman.
Democrats, however, have pushed back against these claims. White House press secretary Jen Psaki recently stated, “No one supports abortion up until birth.” Nevertheless, Republicans have pointed to instances where Democrats have defended late-term abortions, arguing that Psaki’s comment is out of touch with reality.
The Reality of Late-Term Abortions
According to data from the Guttmacher Institute, approximately 1.3% of abortions in the U.S. are performed in the late-term. This translates to around 10,000 abortions per year. While abortion activists argue for unrestricted access to abortion, seven states and the District of Columbia already have zero restrictions on the procedure.
The Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), which garnered significant support among Democrats, aims to supersede any state’s abortion restrictions, including gestational limits. However, critics argue that the bill expands abortion rather than simply codifying Roe v. Wade.
Debating the WHPA
Sen. Joe Manchin, the sole Democrat to vote against the WHPA in the Senate, emphasized that the bill goes beyond preserving existing abortion rights. He stated, “They’re trying to make people believe that this is the same thing as codifying Roe v. Wade. And I want you to know, it’s not. This is not the same. It expands abortion.”
While Democrats often assert that abortion decisions should be left to the woman and her doctor, opponents argue that this approach effectively eliminates any limitations on the procedure.
A Woman’s Choice?
Pro-life advocates contend that when Democrats claim it is a decision between a woman and her doctor, they are effectively removing the doctor from the equation. They argue that Democrats fail to provide any specific limits or boundaries for abortion.
Abortion activists have also turned to state ballot measures to bypass gestational limits and legislative restrictions. Critics argue that these measures are defined by vague terms and lack necessary safeguards.
State Ballot Measures
Opponents of abortion rights express concern over state ballot measures that seek to establish no-limits, no-parental-consent approaches to abortion. They argue that these measures undermine legislative restrictions and potentially open the door to unrestricted access to abortion.
Some states have already enacted laws that eliminate gestational limits for abortion. For example, Maine and Minnesota have expanded abortion access beyond the viability threshold, while Colorado has removed all limits on abortion entirely.
The debate surrounding late-term abortion continues to be highly contentious, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. As the battle rages on, the future of abortion rights in the United States remains uncertain.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...