Newsom’s late-term abortion stance foreshadows future 2024 conflicts
Gov. Newsom’s Stance on Late-Term Abortions Sparks Debate
During a fiery debate with Gov. DeSantis, Gov. Newsom made headlines with his comments on late-term abortions, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the GOP on this divisive issue. The discussion, moderated by Sean Hannity, saw Newsom push back against the common perception that Democrats support unrestricted abortion.
Newsom Trusts Mothers and Doctors
“When it comes to later-term abortions, it’s usually due to fetal anomalies or the life of the mother,” Newsom explained. “In those rare cases, I trust the mother and her doctor to make that decision.”
Newsom refused to endorse any legal limits on abortion, even in the final months of pregnancy, while accusing DeSantis of extreme views for supporting a six-week abortion restriction in Florida.
“Ron DeSantis signed the most extreme anti-abortion bills in America,” Newsom argued. “He banned exceptions for rape and incest and even went further by signing a six-week ban. This ban criminalizes women and doctors, and even Donald Trump thought it was too extreme.”
Conservatives, who advocate for abortion restrictions, quickly fact-checked Newsom’s claims about the rarity of late-term abortions. Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, pointed out that the CDC acknowledges over 10,000 abortions at 21 weeks or later annually in the United States, with more than 50,000 occurring after 15 weeks when there is evidence of fetal pain.
A 2019 report by Kaiser Health News revealed that while abortions at or after 21 weeks were uncommon, reasons for termination included fetal anomalies, maternal life endangerment, and logistical barriers. Other factors included financial constraints, lack of information, and personal circumstances such as mental health issues or domestic violence.
Abortion as an Electoral Issue
Despite the figures surrounding late-term abortions, the GOP has struggled in electoral races where abortion becomes a key topic. Newsom highlighted this trend during the debate, citing Ohio’s passage of the Issue 1 ballot measure, which enshrined abortion rights in the state’s constitution. Several other states, including California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, and Vermont, have also taken measures to protect access to abortion or block attempts to restrict it.
While conservatives praised DeSantis’ six-week abortion restriction, former President Donald Trump criticized the legislation, acknowledging that abortion restrictions make it “very difficult to win elections.” A Gallup poll released in July showed that the majority of Americans believe abortion should be legal only under certain circumstances.
Challenges for the GOP
Amanda Roberti, a political scientist at San Francisco State University, highlighted the public’s disapproval of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as a significant challenge for the GOP in winning elections on abortion. She suggested that voters are increasingly aware of the lack of access to reproductive healthcare in certain communities.
Despite electoral losses, anti-abortion groups seized on Newsom’s debate comments as evidence of the Democratic Party’s extreme stance. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized Newsom for refusing to support any protections for unborn babies, claiming that the Democratic Party now stands for all-trimester abortions.
However, the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the Susan B. Anthony List, disputed Newsom’s claims about late-term abortions, stating that 88% of such abortions occur for social and financial reasons rather than medical necessity.
Compassion and Honest Conversations
Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, urged anti-abortion activists to emphasize their compassion for mothers facing difficult situations in order to overcome electoral setbacks. He also called for Democrats to have an “honest conversation” about abortion ahead of the 2024 election, suggesting that openly discussing the issue could lead to a better understanding of each side’s perspectives.
As the debate rages on, the topic of abortion continues to be a contentious and deeply divisive issue in American politics.
What is Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on late-term abortions and how does it challenge the common perception of Democrats’ views on abortion?
Hile the abortion debate has long been a contentious issue, it has recently taken on new significance as lawmakers across the country wrestle with the question of whether to impose limits on late-term abortions. Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance on this matter has sparked debate and shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by the Republican Party on this divisive topic.
During a heated debate with Governor Ron DeSantis, Governor Newsom made headlines with his comments on late-term abortions, challenging the common perception that Democrats support unrestricted abortion. In the discussion, moderated by Sean Hannity, Newsom voiced his trust in mothers and doctors to make decisions regarding later-term abortions.
Newsom firmly stated, “When it comes to later-term abortions, it’s usually due to fetal anomalies or the life of the mother. In those rare cases, I trust the mother and her doctor to make that decision.” He refused to endorse any legal limits on abortion, even in the final months of pregnancy, while accusing DeSantis of extreme views for supporting a six-week abortion restriction in Florida.
Newsom’s comments drew quick fact-checking from conservatives who advocate for abortion restrictions. Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, highlighted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges over 10,000 abortions at 21 weeks or later annually in the United States, with more than 50,000 occurring after 15 weeks when there is evidence of fetal pain.
A 2019 report by Kaiser Health News further revealed that while abortions at or after 21 weeks were relatively uncommon, reasons for termination often included fetal anomalies, maternal life endangerment, logistical barriers, financial constraints, lack of information, and personal circumstances such as mental health issues or domestic violence. These findings complicate the narrative of late-term abortions being rare occurrences.
Governor Newsom’s stance on late-term abortions also highlights how abortion has become an electoral issue. The Republican Party has struggled in electoral races where abortion becomes a key topic. Newsom pointed out this trend during the debate, citing Ohio’s passage of the Issue 1 ballot measure, which enshrined abortion rights in the state’s constitution. Other states, including California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, and Vermont, have also taken measures to protect access to abortion or block attempts to restrict it.
While late-term abortions continue to be a topic of debate, Governor Newsom’s position underscores the complexities surrounding the issue. The debate surrounding late-term abortions goes beyond political affiliations, touching on questions of medical ethics, women’s rights, and personal autonomy. As the conversation continues, it is crucial to have informed and respectful discussions that consider the diverse range of circumstances and perspectives involved.
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