Psaki shoots down Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's pledge to 'eliminate all rapists,' saying 'there has never in history' been a leader who's been able to do so

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary; Texas Governor. Greg Abbott Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; LM Otero/AP Photo
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, dismissed Texas Governor. Greg Abbott's promise to "eliminate all Rapists"

She stated that "there has never been in history of this country or the world any leader who's been able to eradicate rape."

The White House has criticised Texas' new law banning abortions after six weeks, with no exceptions for incest or rape.

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Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, dismissed Governor Abbott on Wednesday. Greg Abbott's pledge to "eliminate every rapist" was made amid criticism over Texas' new law banning abortions after six weeks of gestation with no exceptions for incest or rape.

Psaki stated that Governor Abbott could have a way to eliminate all rapists and all rape in the United States. This was during a White House press conference. Psaki said that "no leader in the history of America or the world has ever been able eliminate rape, remove rapists off our streets"

Psaki responded to Abbott's comments Tuesday in Texas when he was asked by reporter: "Why force an incest victim or rape to have a child to term?"

The governor replied that victims of rape are allowed to have an abortion for at least six weeks. He also promised that Texas would work hard to eliminate all rapists from Texas' streets by aggressively going after them, arresting and prosecuting them, and then getting them off the streets.

"So, goal No. Abbott said that Texas's number 1 goal is to end rape, so that no woman or person will be the victim.

On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris also attacked Abbott's comments. She said: "To arrogantly ignore concerns about rape survivors and to speak empty words that were false words that were fueled not only with arrogance, but bravado that were fueled, that isn't who we want for our leaders."

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Since last Wednesday's effective date, Texas' six-week ban on abortion has been strongly rebuffed by the White House. President Joe Biden stated that the law directly contradicts Roe v. Wade 1973, a landmark Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion nationwide.

This law is among the most restrictive in the country and prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Many people don't know that they are pregnant at this time. After a Texas abortion provider requested that the Supreme Court block it, the law went into effect. The majority of the court argued that the ruling was technical and not based upon the law's substance, which could still legally be challenged.

Psaki reiterated Wednesday that the White House is committed helping Texas women access safe and legal abortions.

Psaki stated that the law was a violation of your right. "We will do everything possible to assist as soon as possible."

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