
NY Times criticized for biased abortion coverage facts
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The New York Times has recently come under fire for its reporting practices, particularly regarding its coverage of abortion-related issues and claims made by former President Donald Trump.
In a recent development, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser addressed the Times’ editorial leadership directly, criticizing their coverage of abortion-related matters. “While abortion remains an issue that evokes strong opinions, feelings, and reactions, such personal perceptions cannot overtake journalists’ obligation to report fairly, accurately, and impartially,” Dannenfelser wrote in her letter to the publication’s executive and political editors.
The controversy centers on a January 24 article by Times health policy writer Sheryl Gay Stolberg, who claimed Trump made “false claims about abortion rights” during his video address at the 52nd March for Life. Specifically, the article challenged Trump’s assertion that Democrats support “a federal right to unlimited abortion on demand up to the moment of birth and even after birth.”
Every single Senate Democrat just voted against protecting babies who survive an abortion attempt. That’s how extreme they are, voting to legally protect what in essence is infanticide. Meanwhile The NY Times headline is more or less refuted by the subhead: pic.twitter.com/fwlROwzbQY
— Ryan T. Anderson (@RyanTAnd) January 22, 2025
However, recent legislative actions and public statements from Democratic lawmakers appear to support Trump’s characterization. NBC News previously reported that some Democrats “insist on a sweeping national standard that goes beyond the one set by Roe v. Wade.” This position was exemplified when Senator John Fetterman, responding to questions about abortion limitations, stated, “I don’t believe so, no.”
The Women’s Health Protection Act, supported by numerous Democratic lawmakers, would establish a federal right to abortion with minimal restrictions. The legislation’s provisions could potentially allow late-term procedures based on broadly interpreted health risks, including emotional well-being.
Democratic opposition to protections for abortion survivors has also raised eyebrows. Recently, 210 House Democrats voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would have required medical professionals to provide care to infants who survive attempted abortions.
“The facts are in President Trump’s favor,” Dannenfelser’s letter continued. “Democrats have not been shy about also publicly stating their support for abortion at any stage and without limits. A long list of Democrats, ranging from Senators John Fetterman, Mark Kelly, and Patty Murray, to Governor Katie Hobbs and former Governor Ralph Northam have refused to name a point before birth at which they think abortion should be limited.”
This week, a NY Times writer said a poor woman had a miscarriage and was put in prison for it. What actually happened: she smoked meth and intentionally killed her baby in the 8th month of pregnancy. New video breaks down the latest abortion lie: https://t.co/XydfCqwQ5D pic.twitter.com/cJLn1DH1JE
— Matt Christiansen (@MLChristiansen) November 2, 2024
Public opinion polls suggest these positions may be out of step with most Americans. A 2024 Pew Research poll indicated only 25% of Americans support unrestricted abortion access. A Knights of Columbus-Marist poll found that 67% of Americans, including 55% of self-identified “pro-choice” respondents, favor some abortion restrictions.
Emma Camp, writing for the Atlantic, noted that “The grim reality of later abortion is simply too much for most Americans to countenance — and reasonable policymakers should listen to them.”
The Times’ coverage has drawn criticism from various pro-life organizations and media watchdogs. CatholicVote challenged the paper’s reporting, while Tim Graham of MRC’s NewsBusters questioned the media’s portrayal of pro-life advocates as extreme while seemingly overlooking opposing extremes.
Despite these public opinion trends, Democratic lawmakers appear committed to their current positions on abortion access, with media outlets like the Times facing accusations of obscuring rather than illuminating the debate.