President Donald Trump called on lawmakers to prohibit late-term abortions on Tuesday night during his second State of the Union address.
Trump was commenting on recent developments in the debate over abortion that he called a chilling display.
He first condemned New York State for passing a bill that now allows late-term abortions under certain conditions.
Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam also voiced his support for a measure in his state that would significantly loosen restrictions on late-term abortions.
“Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from their mother’s womb moments from birth,” Trump said during his address.
“These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and their dreams with the world.”
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New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill allowing late-term abortions on January 22.
The act legalizes abortion at any time when medical professionals deem it necessary to protect a woman’s life or health.
Those opposed warn that the vagueness of the language effectively legalizes abortion up until the moment of birth.
“And then we had the case of the governor of Virginia where he stated that he would executive a baby after birth,” Trump said. “To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother’s womb.”
Northam seemed to suggest a decision would be made to let a baby die after it was delivered.
He told the Washington radio station WTOP recently that in cases where there may be severe deformities, the baby could be delivered and resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family wanted. He quickly faced backlash over those chilling comments.
“Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent lives,” Trump said. “And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth, all children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God.”
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