Franklin Graham slams Virginia governor for threatening to veto 20-week abortion ban

Franklin Graham slams Virginia governor for threatening to veto 20-week abortion ban

Famed evangelist Franklin Graham criticized Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe for threatening to veto a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Last week, McAuliffe warned the Republican-controlled General Assembly not to "waste time" in trying to pass the measure, adding that signing it into law might affect businesses in the state.

"I can't sit back and have that sitting out the same time I am traveling the globe recruiting businesses to Virginia," he said.

"If there's something that would be damaging toward business, and to our image around the country and the globe, I'll veto it, you bet I will," he continued.

Graham took to Facebook on Friday and criticized the governor for prioritizing business over the lives of the unborn.


"When we are worried more about our state image and making money than about protecting the lives of babies in their mothers' wombs, it's obvious we have a big problem. Do some people really not understand what abortion is?" Graham wrote.

The bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act was proposed by Virginia Delegate Dave Larock. It failed to pass the House last year, but he noted that public support is growing.

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"It's outrageous for a person with any compassion to turn a blind eye while this torture takes place," said LaRock.

McAuliffe campaigned on a promise to oppose any legislation limiting abortions in Virginia. Last March, he vetoed a bill that would have cut off taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.

A similar measure has already been passed in 15 states, but it is currently facing legal challenges in Idaho and Georgia.

Ohio is one of the latest to outlaw abortions after 20 weeks. Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed it into law last month while vetoing the controversial "heartbeat bill," which would have banned abortions when the unborn baby's heartbeat is detected.

On Monday, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin approved the 20-week abortion ban as well as a measure that would require physicians or technicians to conduct an ultrasound on the pregnant women before performing the abortion. Both bills contain an emergency provision that would allow the laws to take effect as soon as it is signed by the governor.