Tim Kaine submits to Hillary Clinton, agrees to flip-flop on Medicaid abortions issue

Chiqui Guyjoco Saturday, July 30, 2016

Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's chosen vice-presidential running mate, agreed to change his mind on the Hyde Amendment, according to reports.

Although the 58-year-old senator from Virginia initially supported the Hyde Amendment as he once publicly confessed, his selection as Clinton's running mate for the Democratic Party signaled a turnaround on his previous stance, Bloomberg noted.

Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine during a campaign rally in Annandale, Virginia. | REUTERS/Carlos Barria

"I have traditionally been a supporter of the Hyde amendment, but I'll check it out," Kaine told the conservative magazine Weekly Standard earlier this month.

The Hyde Amendment rules out abortion in the health services covered by Medicaid. Pro-life advocates considered its legislation as a major victory. On the other hand, progressives criticized the 1976 legislation as hindrance for women among the low-income bracket from securing abortion services.

Kaine professes to be a Catholic Jesuit and raised by devout Catholic parents. He served one year as a missionary in Honduras and serves as tenor for the church choir at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Richmond where he and his wife of 30 years regularly attend.

Kaine is also perceived as a contradiction as he has supported legislations for abortion, death penalty and same-sex marriage even despite claims that he's personally against them.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List, criticized Kaine's reversal on the Hyde Agreement that makes him an "absolute extremist" as he joins the liberal party's ticket.

"Before he could be considered fit for the role of VP to Hillary Clinton, Sen. Kaine had to divest himself of even the appearance of moderation on the abortion issue," said Dannenfelser in a statement.

Cecile Richards, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, also appeared on day two of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and expressed her approval of Kaine.

"Last month, he even sponsored legislation to wipe out every state pro-life law on the books," continued Dannenfelser. "He has received his reward and today Cecile Richards herself, the head of Planned Parenthood, gave her stamp of approval. There is no further left for the Democratic Party to go."