Congress Should Ban Late-Term Abortions, Trump Says Citing Recent Controversy In Virginia

A Virginia Democrat recently incited backlash after she made comments that seemed to support abortion up to minutes before the birth. In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump pointed to the incident along with a New York bill that allows abortions after 24 weeks if a doctor determines the woman’s life or health is at stake, or if the fetus is not viable.

U.S. President Donald Trump called for curbs on late-term abortion in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, citing controversies over the issue in New York and Virginia. Using emotive language, Trump waded into what has long been a divisive issue in American politics, even though the procedure was legalized in a Supreme Court ruling more than 40 years ago. (2/6)

“To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking the Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb,” Trump said during his speech. (Hellmann, 2/5)

The president’s comments received applause from Republicans in the room. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) stood and clapped, but most Democrats remained seated. Supreme Court Justices could be seen briefly on camera, and held neutral expressions. (Samuels, 2/6)

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