Jill Biden is facing a storm of criticism after extending an invitation to a pro-abortion activist for the upcoming State of the Union Address. The activist in question, Kate Cox, made headlines for her decision to abort her daughter due to a birth defect, and her attendance at the prestigious event has ignited controversy and debate.

“The first lady invited Kate to join her as a guest at the State of the Union, and Kate accepted,” confirmed White House Press Secretary Karinne Jean-Pierre during a press conference. She further added that President Joe Biden and the First Lady thanked Cox for her “courage” in sharing her story and speaking out about the impact of abortion restrictions in Texas.

President Biden has been vocal about his support for abortion rights, attributing the recent legal challenges to the policies of his predecessor. “The cruelty is astounding,” Biden stated during a rally in Manassas, Virginia, decrying the limitations placed on abortion access. He leveraged Cox’s case to underscore his argument, stating, “Or the idea a woman receives competent medical advice that the fetus she’s carrying won’t live and will impact on her ability to have children in the future.”

However, critics argue that Cox’s situation isn’t as straightforward as portrayed by the administration. Former Sen. Rick Santorum shared his own daughter’s story, Bella, who defied grim prognoses. “Meet my incompatible w life daughter Bella,” Santorum shared, highlighting the complexities of such diagnoses.

The clash over Cox’s invitation highlights the deep-rooted division over abortion rights in American politics. Proponents see Cox’s story as emblematic of the need to protect women’s reproductive rights and healthcare access, especially in challenging circumstances. On the other hand, opponents argue that Cox’s case raises ethical questions about the value of human life and the treatment of individuals with disabilities.

As the State of the Union approaches, the controversy surrounding Cox’s invitation sets the stage for a charged and polarized event, where the debate over abortion rights will undoubtedly take center stage once again.