The controversial Virginia bill that would loosen restrictions on third-trimester abortions was blasted Thursday by evangelical Christian author James Dobson.
“Well, the whole thing is evil, it is wicked. I call it egregious,” Dobson said of the bill, from Democratic state delegate Kathy Tran, on Fox News Radio’s “Todd Starnes Show” on Thursday.
Dobson, former president of Focus on the Family and current president of the nonprofit organization Family Talk, added, “I mean, a holy God cannot smile on a country that would do that to its most innocent victims, those that can't speak for themselves, those that can't defend themselves.”
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam further stoked public outrage after appearing on local radio station WTOP and supporting the bill.
Tran on Thursday released a video on Twitter explaining her position.
“What I have done is try to make sure that women are able to these decisions and access these services in a timely manner,” Tran said in the video.
Todd Gilbert, the Republican House majority leader, questioned Tran about the bill during a hearing Monday. He asked Tran if a woman who has physical signs that she is about to give birth could request an abortion if a physician said it could impair her "mental health."
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"Where it’s obvious that a woman is about to give birth. She has physical signs that she is about to give birth. Would that still be a point at which she could request an abortion if she was so-certified -- she’s dilating," he asked.
“Mr. Chairman, that would be ... a decision that the doctor, the physician and the woman would make at that point,” Tran replied.
“I understand that,” Gilbert replied. “I’m asking if your bill allows that.”
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Tran replied: “My bill would allow that, yes.”
“Maybe she has no embarrassment, but she they got her to admit that if that baby is born that there is no hope for them, no help, no medical care, they just allow him to lie there and die,” Dobson said. “I mean we wouldn't ... we wouldn't do this to a dog.”
Fox News' Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
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