Fact check: Trump is wrong about Democrats supporting abortions “after birth.”
Former President Donald Trump made a false claim during a recent presidential debate about Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, supporting the “execution” of babies after they are born. This claim is entirely baseless and has sparked controversy. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this claim and clarify where Harris and Walz stand on abortion.
Trump has a track record of making false assertions that Democrats endorse killing babies after birth. At a rally in Charlotte, he accused Harris of supporting abortion “right up until birth, and even after birth.” During the debate, Trump continued to spread misinformation by referencing past statements made by different governors, including former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. Northam’s comments, taken out of context, have been used by Trump to falsely claim that Democrats justify infanticide. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction in such instances.
Vice President Harris is a strong advocate for upholding the standards set by Roe v. Wade, guaranteeing the right to an abortion until the fetus reaches viability outside the womb, typically around six months of gestation. The Biden-Harris administration supported the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022, aimed at preventing states from imposing restrictions on abortions before viability. However, the legislation did not pass the Senate, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights.
In contrast, Gov. Walz of Minnesota signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) in 2023, solidifying abortion access within the state. Minnesota is among the few states that don’t have restrictions on abortions after the stage of viability. Data from reputable sources like the CDC indicate that late-term abortions are rare and usually occur in extreme circumstances where the mother’s life is at risk, or the fetus has severe abnormalities.
Trump, during his tenure as president, was vocal about appointing conservative justices to the Supreme Court, leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which had significant implications for abortion rights. While Trump initially supported federal legislation for a 20-week abortion ban, with certain exceptions, his stance has evolved in recent times. He now advocates for states to have the autonomy to regulate abortions based on their individual policies and beliefs, creating a diverse landscape regarding abortion laws across the country.
Trump’s statements on Florida’s six-week abortion ban have been contentious, with his views shifting from criticism to support within a short span. Florida’s upcoming ballot proposition to safeguard abortion rights before fetal viability underscores the ongoing debate on this issue in states nationwide. The intersection of legal, ethical, and political considerations surrounding abortion makes it a complex and multi-faceted topic that continues to divide public opinion.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to critically analyze and fact-check claims related to abortion and other sensitive topics to avoid spreading misinformation. Understanding the nuances of various politicians’ positions on abortion can help inform public discourse and promote a more informed and nuanced debate on this critical issue.
