Former NFL player Benjamin Watson had a message for 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O’Rourke Tuesday after O’Rourke said he thought that abortions in the third trimester – well past the point of fetal viability – were a woman’s decision.
Watson thought Beto’s response was “weak,” arguing that O’Rourke should “own” whatever stance he has on ending a preborn child’s life from 28 weeks until birth.
So Weak.
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) March 19, 2019
The correct answers start with: “Yes I support killing children in the third trimester....
Or
“No, I do not support killing children in the third trimester...”
Own it. Either way. https://t.co/0Q4Ltd884L
The former New Orleans Saints tight end is very vocally pro-life and recently donated an ultrasound machine to the New Orleans-based ministry of Baptist Community Health Services.
During a campaign stop at Penn State, O’Rourke doubled down on his position on third trimester abortion, telling the Washington Examiner’s Salena Zito that “those decisions are best left to a woman and her doctor. I know better than to assume anything about a woman’s decision.”
He also indicated that abortion coverage should be included in universal healthcare.
.@BetoORourke thinks universal healthcare should pay for late-stage abortions. pic.twitter.com/j2Y7U7jKdW
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 19, 2019
O’Rourke’s apparent backing of abortions past 28 weeks is a significant departure from public opinion and state laws.
According to the most recently available Gallup polling from June, only 13 percent of Americans support abortions in the third trimester.