No state allows people to 'execute the baby' after birth, as Trump claims during debate
During the heated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, several notable—and frankly bizarre—claims were made. Notably, Trump alleged that Democratic states are allowing the execution of babies after birth.
In response to moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis' question about his support for women's reproductive rights, Trump reiterated his misleading claims that it is acceptable to kill babies after birth.
“[Harris’s] vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth – it’s execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born – is OK,” Trump said.
This claim is false. Infanticide — also known as homicide — is illegal in all 50 states.
Fact Check: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has not endorsed the execution of babies
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has never vocally supported the execution of babies after birth.
While Trump's claim about the execution of babies is incorrect, it is accurate that Walz signed a bill last year that removed gestational limits on abortion. This legislation allows for abortions later in pregnancy — potentially in the ninth month— primarily used in cases of severe health complications affecting the mother or fetus.
This bill does not endorse infanticide.
Nationally, only about 1% of all abortions occur at or after 21 weeks of pregnancy, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Additionally, the bill continued to require that any infant born alive following an abortion must be fully recognized as a human being and receive full legal protection, though the language was slightly updated:
A born alive An infant as a result of an abortion who is born alive shall be fully recognized as a human person, and accorded immediate protection under the law. All reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice, including the compilation of appropriate medical records, shall be taken by the responsible medical personnel to preserve the life and health of the born alive infant care for the infant who is born alive.
— Minnesota Session Laws - 2023, Regular Session, CHAPTER 70--S.F.No. 2995
Some pro-life supporters have expressed concerns about the change in language for replacing the word “preserve” with a revised requirement to “care for the infant who is born alive," alleging that medical personnel is no longer required to perform life-saving treatment but only care for the infant.