President Joe Biden was confronted by a reporter who questioned why the commander-in-chief supports abortion as a Catholic, according to a video circulating on social media.
“Last night, you said you support Roe v. Wade,” the individual said. “As a Catholic, why do you support abortion?”
Biden said he didn’t want to get into a theological debate and attempted to sidestep the question.
“I’ll tell you what, I don’t want to get in a debate with you on theology,” he said. “But you know…well, anyway. I’m not going to make a judgment for other people.”
The reporter wasn’t satisfied with that response and added, “But you’re Catholic!” The exchange, which unfolded on Ash Wednesday, was particularly noteworthy, as Biden appeared to have ashes on his forehead, a public expression of one’s Catholic faith.
REPORTER: “As a Catholic, why do you support abortion?”
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 2, 2022
BIDEN: “I don’t want to get in a debate with you on theology, but you know…I’m not going to make a judgement for other people.”
REPORTER: “But you’re Catholic!” pic.twitter.com/KR7njW1cW9
Biden seemingly turned to another reporter and continued to answer questions.
The exchange came just hours after the president delivered his first State of the Union address, during which he referenced Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court case legalizing abortion across the U.S.
“The constitutional right affirmed by Roe v. Wade — standing precedent for half a century — is under attack as never before,” Biden said. “If you want to go forward — not backwards — we must protect access to health care. Preserve a woman’s right to choose. And continue to advance maternal health care for all Americans.”
The president’s comments have received much attention, as the abortion issue is front-and-center right now. In the coming months, the high court will decide on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which could derail portions — if not all — of Roe.
As Faithwire previously reported, Biden’s Catholic faith and progressive views on abortion have been seen by some as being in conflict. This is hardly the first time the issue has sparked uncomfortable exchanges.
Last month, White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly refused to answer a reporter’s questions about whether Biden believes life begins at conception. Psaki responded, “The president believes in a woman’s right to choose,” seemingly declining to go off-script.
***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***