Currents News Staff
In his State of the Union Address Tuesday night, President Trump said “all children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God.”
He received a standing ovation from republicans for condemning recent efforts to expand state abortion laws.
The other side of Congress remained in their seats, baffling Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
“It’s just awful. You’re murdering babies,” said Catherine Farrell.
“We had such a great country, and now it’s, I don’t know, I’m getting very discouraged from it,” said Margaret McLaughlin.
The President went on to criticize New York’s recently passed Reproductive Health Act that hits close to home for these church-goers.
“Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother’s womb moments before birth,” said Trump.
Fiercely opposed by both Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Nicholas Dimarzio, the act declares abortion on demand at any moment in a pregnancy, up to birth, a fundamental right.
“These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world,” said Trump.
Catholics say they are pleased the President is echoing their concerns in the state of the union.
“I’m going to watch it again. It was magnificent,” said Deborah Nuzzo.
But many worry it may be too late. Another recent bill in Virginia would have allowed a woman to request an abortion when she’s about to give birth.
The Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, recently defended this bill, now tabled, saying if the family desired, a discussion with physicians could take place deciding the newborn’s fate.
“The infant would be delivered; the infant would be kept comfortable,” said Governor Northam.
“There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our nation saw in recent days,” said Trumpo.
Following the high-profile debates in New York and Virginia, states including Rhode Island, Vermont and New Mexico will all consider abortion expansion proposals in the coming months.
The President hopes to put a stop to it.
“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,” said Trump.
But some politicians are critical of the President’s pro-life stance. Governor Andrew Cuomo is accusing him of shamelessly courting the religious right to win votes.
“Anyone who would murder the unborn, they all belong in hell because I believe it’s premeditated murder,” said Maryanne Zoleo.
In an editorial in today’s New York Times Cuomo writes, “as a Roman Catholic, I am intimately familiar with the strongly held views of the church. Still I do not believe that religious values should drive political positions.”
He says his religion cannot demand favoritism as he executes his public duties.