Social media erupted with criticism after former President Donald Trump claimed at his Charlotte rally on Wednesday that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris plans to legalize “ninth-month” abortions.
“She wants abortion in the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy – that’s fine with her – right up until birth,” Trump said at the rally. “And even after birth, the execution of a baby.” While Trump and other Republicans have not outlined specific policy plans regarding abortion, the party’s platform appears to have softened from previously advocating a national ban.
After a clip of Trump’s speech – his first public event since the recent attempt on his life – circulated online, users quickly called out the former president for spreading what they termed a “demented lie.” “F— this piece of s—,” wrote user X @AntiToxicPeople, who has about 250,000 followers. “This is among the most demented lies he has ever told among the 30,000+ of them.”
Another user, @HaleyGirlWaGun, pointed out, “I have never met anyone who wants late-term abortions. Republicans always say this, most reasonable people want women to have access to early, safe, and rare abortions.” “He won’t be able to get away with this lie in a debate,” added user @ConservBlue2020.
In response to a clip of Trump’s statement, user @LiftForever67 sarcastically thanked him, saying, “Thank you, Donald! Please keep talking about abortion and making American women 2nd class citizens. See you in November!”
The backlash highlights the contentious nature of the abortion debate in America. While Trump’s claims about late-term abortions have stirred anger and disbelief among many, his comments also underscore the deep divisions and intense emotions surrounding this issue.
Critics argue that Trump’s assertions about Harris are not only false but also inflammatory, designed to rally his base by playing on fears and misconceptions about abortion. Proponents of abortion rights emphasize that late-term abortions are extremely rare and typically occur due to severe health risks to the mother or fetus.
The former president’s remarks come at a time when abortion rights are a key issue for many voters, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This has led to a surge in voter registration and activism among those who support reproductive rights.
As the 2024 election approaches, the discourse around abortion is likely to remain a pivotal and polarizing topic, with both sides using it to galvanize their supporters. For now, Trump’s comments have reignited a heated debate, drawing sharp rebukes from across the political spectrum.