'Duck Dynasty' Star Targets Abortion: 'You Have a God-Given Right to Live' (Video)
"Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson has said the A&E hit downplays his family's religious faith -- but the intensity of his beliefs comes through in a videotaped speech condemning abortion.
Robertson says in the speech that he is in Pennsylvania, though it is unclear when it was shot. It was posted by the conservative site CNS News, and linked on the Drudge Report, giving Robertson a huge forum. His show is the highest-rated reality series on cable, and his remarks put him in the middle of one of the country's most contentious issues.
In the speech, he talks about presidents he says relied on the Bible, then turns to abortion.
Also read: Texas' Controversial Abortion Vote: Where Was Cable News?
"Listen, from the time you started inside your mother's womb, Thomas Jefferson had it right, you have the God-given right to live, for crying out loud. You're this long!" he said, holding out his finger. "You're a week old inside your mother. They suck you out of there when you're about like that."
"And, when you got to be the size of my thumb, they suck you out. You wouldn't be here. Then, you grow a little bigger, like my fist - and finally eight, nine months later you come out. "And we debate whether it's a -- some woman has the right to tear you out of there, a piece at a time? C'mon! You have a God-given right to live. And of all places, inside your mother -- what in the world happened to us?"
Also read: When Laura Ziskin Fought David Fincher Over Abortion Joke
Robertson told The Wall Street Journal in June that his shows plays down his family's religion. The show follows Robertsons family of Louisiana hunters, who are rich from selling duck calls.
"We can't get into spiritual matters on the show too much," he said. "That's a little much for the production company. They say, you know, it's not the Pat Robertson show."
A&E did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
Watch the video:
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