Washington, May 23 (IANS): US President Donald Trump touted his administration's policies aimed at ending taxpayer support of abortion during a keynote speech at a pro-life gala, the media reported.

"When I ran for office, I pledged to stand for life, and as president, that's exactly what I have done and I have kept my promise and I think everybody here understands that totally," the President addressed the crowd on Tuesday night at the Susan B. Anthony List 11th Annual Campaign for Life Gala.

Trump formally announced a new rule proposed by the White House last week that would bar abortions at facilities receiving federal family planning funds, a move aimed squarely at Planned Parenthood, which accepts some federal money for non-abortion services.

Trump was the first sitting president to address the gala, and called on activists to "vote for life" in the upcoming midterm elections.

The President took aim at some Democratic senators in conservative leaning states, including Jon Tester of Montana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who he said "all voted against the 20-week bill and in favour of late-term abortion".

Trump wasn't always a staunch pro-life advocate, reports CNN.

The then-businessman said in 1999 that while he hated the "concept of abortion," he was "pro-choice".

As he campaigned for president, Trump positioned himself as an opponent of legalised abortion and took aim at Planned Parenthood, ultimately earning the support of conservative voters.

As Trump spoke on Tuesday, the Democratic National Committee released a statement, calling the move "a brazen and shameful assault on women, their rights and their health".