The White House is considering new legal limits on abortion in a drive sparked by President Trump’s shock at support in Virginia and New York for after-birth abortion, one of the practices shown in the movie “Gosnell” screened at the White House late Friday.
To an overflow crowd of White House staff and anti-abortion advocates, including the journalist who led the coverage of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, a top Trump aide said that the administration is constantly looking for ways to curb abortion.
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One focus is on the handling of a baby in the rare case it is born during an abortion.
The issue flooded into the public view after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was asked about pending legislation to allow very late-term abortions.
Northam, a pediatric surgeon, explained to WTOP that sometimes third trimester abortions are done in cases where the fetus might be “nonviable.” He said, “The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.”
After the screening of Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer, which covers the 2013 trial and murder conviction of the abortionist, insiders said that Domestic Policy Advisor Joe Grogantold of how Trump was “incredulous” over Northam’s comments.
“He said that Trump was really impacted by that. He couldn’t believe it,” said one, adding, “They come in every day and look at how they can legally stop abortion.”
Trump stepped up his anger after Democrats expressed opposition to the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. He tweeted, “Senate Democrats just voted against legislation to prevent the killing of newborn infant children. The Democrat position on abortion is now so extreme that they don’t mind executing babies AFTER birth....”
The president’s reaction to Northam “had a lot to do” with Gosnell being screened, said one of the dozens of attendees at the Friday night event.
While Trump did not attend the Gosnell movie screening in the large auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, having the movie show inside the complex was a huge sign of support for the pro-life movement. Many in the movement have described Trump as the most pro-life president ever.
The event lasted about five hours and included the screening, a Q&A with Grogan and Ann McElhinney, who made the movie with her husband Phelim McAleer.
After that, the group was invited to a reception in the ornate Secretary of War rooms.
One attendee saw symbolism in the choice of rooms. “I think they were trying to send a message with the afterwards reception. It was in the Secretary of War offices,” the attendee said.
After the event broke up, McElhinney and McAleer had a chance encounter with Trump at the Trump International Hotel where he had dined with first lady Melania Trump.
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