Staff Reports
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki faced criticism for her remarks on abortion, but she didn’t back down. In response to the backlash, Psaki reaffirmed her statement that “no one supports abortion up to birth.” Psaki had initially shared her thoughts on third-trimester abortions during the GOP 2024 presidential debate, where Nikki Haley and Mike Pence clashed over the issue.
Haley had called for “consensus,” including a ban on late-term abortions, prompting Psaki to tweet, “No one supports abortion up until birth.” Psaki later defended her position on her MSNBC program, “Inside with Jen Psaki,” stating that claims about Democrats supporting abortions until birth were misleading. She pointed out that abortions after fetal viability are extremely rare and involve difficult emotional and ethical decisions. Psaki argued that only a few third-trimester abortions occur each year in states where they are legal and emphasized the personal stories behind these cases.
The argument that Democrats are advocating for more late term abortions is completely misleading. I explain with lots of FACTS today… https://t.co/JFe4ARSF0V
— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2023
However, it’s worth noting that many Democrats have shown support for expanded access to abortion throughout all stages of pregnancy. In 2021, Democrats reintroduced the “Women’s Health Protection Act” (WHPA), which aimed to allow abortion on demand at any point during pregnancy. Psaki herself had urged Congress to pass WHPA in a White House briefing. Fortunately, the bill was blocked in the Senate with a vote of 46-48, as even Democratic Senator Joe Manchin joined Republicans in opposing it.
The conservative perspective on this issue highlights the inconsistency between Psaki’s claim and the actions and policies of the Democratic Party. While Psaki may argue that late-term abortions are rare, Democrats’ support for the WHPA shows a willingness to expand abortion access without significant restrictions. This disregard for the sanctity of life raises concerns among many conservatives who believe in protecting the rights of the unborn.
