According to Fox News, a prominent pro-life organization has taken issue with ABC News over a fact-check made during the recent presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America sent a letter to ABC News executives and debate moderators on Wednesday calling for a correction on a statement made by moderator Linsey Davis during the event.
The controversy stems from a moment in the debate when Davis fact-checked Trump's assertion about some states allowing the killing of infants after birth. Davis stated, "There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born."
This statement has drawn criticism from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which claims it is inaccurate and fails to acknowledge the reality of infants who survive failed late-term abortions.
In the letter sent to ABC News, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president Marjorie Dannenfelser expressed strong disagreement with Davis' fact-check. The organization contends that the moderator's statement overlooks documented cases of babies born alive after failed abortion attempts.
Dannenfelser wrote in the letter:
This is 100% inaccurate. Her statement tragically ignores the reality of babies who survive failed, late-term abortions but are denied basic medical care and left to die.
The pro-life group cites estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support their position. According to their letter, the CDC reported that between 2003 and 2014, approximately 143 babies died after being born alive following failed abortions.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is seeking a correction from ABC News and requesting an in-person meeting with network executives. The organization believes that such a meeting, which would include abortion survivors, could provide valuable insight into the need for born-alive protections.
In her letter, Dannenfelser emphasized the importance of acknowledging the reality of babies born after failed abortions:
We are writing to request a swift correction from Ms. Davis and ABC News. It is undeniable that babies are born in this country after failed abortions, as the facts below demonstrate. A correction from the network and the debate moderators is an important first step in acknowledging this fact. We also encourage ABC to meet with abortion survivors who are a living testament to the need for born-alive protections.
The pro-life group's letter also referenced a report about Minnesota, which allegedly recorded eight deaths among infants who survived abortion attempts during Tim Walz's tenure as governor.
The fact-check by Davis came in response to comments made by former President Trump during the debate. Trump appeared to be referencing controversial remarks made by former Virginia Democratic Governor Ralph Northam in 2019 regarding third-trimester abortions.
Following the debate, several media outlets published fact-checks that were critical of Trump's statements on abortion. CBS News and NPR cited reports indicating that infanticide is illegal in all 50 states, aligning with Davis' assertion during the debate.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America's letter to ABC News highlights the ongoing debate surrounding abortion and born-alive protections in the United States. The organization's request for a correction and meeting with network executives underscores the contentious nature of the issue.
