Critics Accuse NBC of Bias for Not Highlighting Democrats' Views on Late-Term Abortions

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Sep 21, 10:55 am

Photo: (Photo : Aiden Frazier on Unsplash)

In a media landscape where neutrality is increasingly paramount, NBC News has found itself at the heart of a fiery debate concerning the Republican Party's perspective on Democrats and their stance on late-term abortions. The backlash suggests that many view the network's coverage as less than impartial, emphasizing the profound divisions that continue to plague the nation's discourse on this delicate issue.

Conservative Backlash

In a recent segment of "Meet the Press", former President Donald Trump, known for his forthright manner, delved deep into the topic of late-term abortion. He expressed his concerns, suggesting that some Democrats support the idea of terminating a pregnancy even after birth. However, NBC host Kristen Welker promptly rebutted Trump's assertion, firmly stating, "Democrats aren't saying that."

As the conversation unfurled, it grew increasingly intense. Trump drew reference to a statement made in 2019 by Ralph Northam, the then-Governor of Virginia, to back his claim. In response, Welker continually interjected with fact-checks, an approach that has since drawn widespread criticism, particularly from conservative circles.

Lila Rose, at the forefront of the pro-life movement as the founder and president of Live Action, expressed her concerns, suggesting a media bias. She remarked on the tendency of some media outlets to diminish or even hide the realities and implications of late-term abortions. Guy Benson, contributing to FOX News, further intensified the critique, lambasting Welker for her perceived "biased performance." He pointedly asked why, if Democrats were indeed against late-term abortion, did a significant majority of them vote against a ban during the previous presidential term?

Furthering the debate, David Harsanyi, the Senior Editor of The Federalist, brought into question Welker's narrative, particularly her claim about the rarity of late-term abortions. Harsanyi highlighted a perceived double standard in media reporting, comparing the treatment of this issue to others of similar controversy.

Legislation in Focus

Intriguingly, this debate is not an isolated incident. Just last month, Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis, found himself in a similarly charged discussion with NBC News correspondent Dasha Burns. DeSantis made pointed comments about the Democrats' stance, suggesting their support for abortions up until the very moment of birth. Burns swiftly labeled this as a "misrepresentation", prompting another heated exchange.

DeSantis also brought to light recent legislation from California reinforcing the rights of individuals to make reproductive choices without being limited by specific week counts. A handful of states, including Maine, Colorado, and New York, have also instituted similar legislation in recent times.

When other prominent Democrats like Senators John Fetterman and Bernie Sanders, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico were quizzed about this, they too declined to place explicit limits on abortions.

This entire controversy underscores the depth of divisions in the U.S. regarding the topic of abortion. It also highlights the pivotal role that media outlets, including NBC News, play in framing and influencing public opinion. With the current backlash, it remains to be seen how the media giant will navigate these tumultuous waters.