[Associated Press] WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sought to assure opponents of abortion rights on Friday that he stands with them and would veto any legislation from a Democratic-controlled House that “weakens the protection of human life.”
Trump spoke via video to participants at this year’s March for Life on the National Mall. Thousands of people across the country braved the cold to attend the event.
“As president, I will always defend the first right in our Declaration of Independence, the right to life,” Trump said.
Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle highlighted legislative efforts on the abortion issue ahead of Friday’s march.
Some Democratic lawmakers in the House held a news conference last week to note their support for ending a ban of Medicaid funding for abortion services known as the Hyde Act. The Republican-led Senate failed to advance a measure that would permanently prohibit taxpayer funding for abortion. Trump said he supported that effort.
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who attended the event, listed actions the administration has taken over the past two years to deter abortions.
Trump noted that the administration has ensured foreign aid doesn’t flow to organizations that promote abortion. Pence credited Trump with nominating conservative judges to the federal bench. Trump also said that he had just sent a letter to members of Congress reiterating his veto threat on legislation weakening abortion restrictions.
“And we have the support to uphold those vetoes,” Trump said.
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[Editor’s Note: This article was written by Kevin Freking and first published by the Associated Press, title changed by P&P]
