Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is supportive of Del. Kathy Tran's (D-Fairfax) proposed bill to allow abortions through all 40 weeks of pregnancy, including right before birth, when the mother is in labor. He is also, we found out, okay with leaving infants to die after surviving abortions birth if that's what the mother and doctor decided.
Here's exactly what he said in a radio interview with WTOP:
“If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen,” he said. “The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.”
As expected, pro-lifers were horrified by Northam's comments. Keyword search "extreme" or "radical" would result in his several pictures of his face. Amidst the backlash, the governor's office released a statement they thought would clarify his message, noting that he only supports this kind of negligent action in very rare circumstances.
Statement from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) spokesman Ofirah Yheskel on his abortion remarks:
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) January 30, 2019
"The governor's comments were limited to the actions physicians would take in the event that a woman [facing nonviable pregnancy or severe fetal abnormalities] went into labor." pic.twitter.com/7FHeRbkobF
As you can imagine, that didn't appease the pro-life community and they continued pressing Northam on his abortion extremism. So, the governor, who is also a physician, posted a more direct message for his critics.
I have devoted my life to caring for children and any insinuation otherwise is shameful and disgusting.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 31, 2019
The Susan B. Anthony List published a clarification for the governor so there was no confusion.
We're not insinuating anything.
— Susan B. Anthony List (@SBAList) January 31, 2019
You said you support withholding care and allowing babies to die after a failed third-trimester abortion.
You are a disgrace to your office and the medical community and should have your medical license taken away. https://t.co/cUsZe7dj8h
Your WORDS speak for themselves! So very sad that you support that horrific late term abortion practice! You should be ashamed!
— Peggy Baker (@peggy128) January 31, 2019
Sounds like you need a refresher on what *you* said this morning: https://t.co/fDnt0d5Qnc
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 31, 2019
And here's a refresher on what the radical bill you support does: https://t.co/T7YkaZlk1F
Meanwhile, members and leaders of the Catholic Church are demanding that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo be excommunicated for signing a bill last week that would allow abortions up to 24 weeks.
President Trump, who has been watching the narrative unfold from the White House, offered the following observation.
Democrats are becoming the Party of late term abortion, high taxes, Open Borders and Crime!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019