Trump calls on Congress to ban ‘late-term’ abortions | TheHill – The Hill

President TrumpDonald John TrumpSix takeaways from the State of the Union Ocasio-Cortez rejects criticism that she wasn’t ‘spirited and warm’ during Trump speech Lawmakers say Trump’s infrastructure vision lacks political momentum MORE called on lawmakers during his State of the Union address Tuesday night to ban “late-term” abortions, a policy that won’t pass a divided Congress.

“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.

President Trump: “I am asking Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term #abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother’s womb.” #sotu pic.twitter.com/l2Vb2BrOkm

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 5, 2019

Senate Republicans tried to force a vote Monday on a bill Trump was referencing, but Sen. Patty MurrayPatricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayTrump calls on Congress to ban ‘late-term’ abortions Overnight Health Care — Presented by PCMA — Senators seek answers on surprise medical bills | Red states move to limit Medicaid expansion | Two drug companies agree to testify Senate Dems block Sasse measure meant to respond to Virginia bill MORE (D-Wash.) objected, arguing that the measure was duplicative of current law.

Trump in his speech referenced bills in Virginia and New York that would ease abortion restrictions, measures that have faced backlash from anti-abortion groups in recent weeks.

“Let us work together to build a culture that cherishes innocent life,” Trump said.

“And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children — born and unborn — are made in the holy image of God.”

Planned Parenthood President Leana Wen, a guest of Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy Patricia D’Alesandro PelosiTrump gets dose of new political reality at State of the Union Six takeaways from the State of the Union Pelosi: Trump forgot to mention newly elected women are mostly Dems MORE (D-Calif.), knocked the president’s comments on Twitter.

“Restrictions on abortion later in pregnancy prevent health care providers from giving their patients the best care possible. It’s my job to provide my patients with the information they need to make the best decision for themselves. I trust my patients; I trust women,” she tweeted.

The New York bill signed into law last month by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) 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.

A bill in Virginia would have made it easier for women to get abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy by requiring the approval of only one doctor instead of the three mandated under current law.