The Daily Beast reported Wednesday that Republican primary front-runner Donald Trump blew off a pro-life conference, but event organizers and the Trump campaign say he was never scheduled to address the group.
Politico on Wednesday also reported that Mr. Trump was “scheduled” and “expected” to call in to the 115 Forum, a pro-life conference in Washington organized by Priests for Life.
But Leslie Palma-Simoncek, a spokeswoman for Priests for Life, said Mr. Trump “wasn’t on the schedule” and the campaign “never confirmed that he would be” at the event.
“He wasn’t on the schedule,” Ms. Palma-Simoncek said. “His side never confirmed that he would be.”
“Our organization reaches out to candidates regularly,” Ms. Palma-Simoncek said. “Many of these conversations are off the record. But in fairness, let me make clear that Mr. Trump did not break any commitments to speak to me or any gathering I organize.”
“On the contrary, I have had very friendly and fruitful interactions with him and members of his team and look forward to continuing that dynamic,” she said.
Campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks said Mr. Trump “wasn’t on the schedule.”
Mr. Trump’s decision not to address the pro-life conference comes after he said women should face “punishment” if they procure illegal abortions, drawing scorn from both the pro-life and pro-choice communities.
Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for life, said the group tries to facilitate discussions on abortion between politicians and the pro-life community.
“What I can say is that Priests for Life carries out efforts to provide all campaigns an opportunity to connect with the pro-life leadership in America and to receive solid advice on how to deal with abortion,” he said.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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