Wednesday 18 May 2022 07:46 PM GOP Rep asks abortion doctor if she supports termination of infants 'halfway ... trends now
A Congressional hearing on abortion access grew heated on Wednesday when Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana demanded a gynecologist give her stance on performing the procedure when an infant is 'halfway out of the birth canal.'
The House Judiciary Committee is hearing from a panel of experts including Dr. Yashica Robinson, a board-certified OB-GYN and a board member with Physicians for Reproductive Health, as tensions mount over the Supreme Court potentially overturning the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade.
It was suggested the high court's conservative supermajority is poised to overturn federal abortion protections granted in the case, according to a leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito.
During the hearing Johnson prefaced his question to Robinson, the only medical doctor on the panel, by saying she would 'clearly support the right to abort a 20 week old unborn child.'
'So I would love for you to explain to us, in your medical opinion, at what point in pregnancy should having an abortion no longer be an option?' the conservative asked.
Robinson explained that 'every pregnancy is unique and different' and that 'patients need to have access to care' on a case-by-case basis.
Johnson cut her off, 'Let me let me ask you - do you support the right of a woman who's just seconds away from birthing a healthy child to have an abortion?'
During the hearing Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana (left) grilled Dr. Yashica Robinson (right) on her stance on late abortions
'I think that the question that you're asking does not realistically reflect abortion care,' Robinson answered.
The lawmaker spoke over her to ask the question again.
'I won't entertain theoreticals,' Robinson maintained.
Johnson continued to push, 'It's not a theoretical, ma'am, you're a medical doctor.'
'I am a medical doctor and that has never happened,' the physician shot back.
Johnson insisted that 'it happens,' adding: 'How about if a child is halfway out of the birth canal? Is an abortion permissible then?'
Robinson, visibly stunned, replied: 'I
