Trump repeats false claim in debate that Democrats support abortion “after birth”

This story first appeared on NPR’s live blog of the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. See how the night unfolded.

In Tuesday’s presidential debate, former President Donald Trump again falsely claimed that Democrats support abortions “after birth” and the “execution” of babies.

It’s a line of attack that Trump has repeatedly used to portray Democrats as radical on reproductive rights issues. But as ABC News anchor Linsey Davis mentioned during her real-time fact check, there is no state where it is legal to kill a baby after birth. A report by KFF beginning of the year It was also pointed out that abortions “after birth” are illegal in all states.

According to the Pew Research Center overwhelming majority of abortions – 93% – occur in the first trimester. According to Pew, 1% occur after 21 weeks. Most of these occur before 24 weeks, the approximate time for fetal viability. according to a report by KFF Health News.

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An analysis of KFF beginning of the year found that late-term abortions are expensive, offered by relatively few physicians, and are often performed because of medical complications or because patients encounter obstacles early in pregnancy.

“Nowhere in America are there women carrying a pregnancy to term who ask for an abortion. That doesn’t happen; it’s an insult to the women of America,” Vice President Kamala Harris said on the debate stage on Tuesday.

Trump apparently referred to a statement by former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who is also a pediatric neurologist. Northam faces controversy in 2019 for his response to a question about caring for an infant born with fatal complications.

As Davis also noted, Trump has been pushing contradictory messages on the issue of abortion throughout his campaign. He has played a key role in repealing the Roe v. Wadewhile they seem to be backing down on an issue that Surveys make it clear is a burden for the Republicans.

Asked if he would block a national abortion ban through legislation if it landed on his desk, Trump declined to give specifics. Harris warned that if elected, Trump would “sign a national abortion ban.”

Trump has repeatedly called for leaving abortion policy to the states, but anti-abortion activists – who make up a significant part of the Republican base – have called on Republican elected officials to national abortion restrictionsPassing a federal abortion ban would require Republicans to control both the presidency and both houses of Congress.

In an exchange of words, Trump reiterated an election promise not to sign such a law.

“That’s a lie. I’m not signing a ban and there’s no reason to sign a ban,” Trump said, later adding, “It doesn’t matter because this issue has now been taken over by the states.”

When asked by a moderator whether he would veto such a bill if it were presented to him, Trump replied, “I won’t have to.”

He then changed the subject to student loan policy.

When the moderator pointed out that Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, had said he would veto such a bill, Trump said, “Well, to be honest, I haven’t talked to JD about it.”

He continued, “We don’t have to debate it because she would never be able to get it done,” suggesting that it was unlikely that Democrats would get enough votes to pass a law enshrining abortion rights.

Copyright: NPR