House Republicans have introduced new legislation that would stop infanticide and protect babies who survive abortion. This is a similar measure to one that pro-abortion former Speaker Nancy Pelosi blocked 80 times when she ran the House.
It would also penalize doctors who allow such infants to die or who intentionally kill a newborn following a failed abortion.
Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) announced the reintroduction of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) joining as original cosponsors. The Born-Alive Act ensures that infants born alive after an attempted abortion receive the same protection of law and degree of care as any newborn.
“All children should have the right to receive lifesaving care, especially those who survive an abortion,” Wagner told LifeNews. “The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act will provide commonsense protections for innocent children and their mothers and will ensure all babies receive the essential care they need at an incredibly vulnerable moment. It pains me that this fight has to be fought at all, but medical care for babies should not be a partisan issue. Now, with Republicans in the Majority, the House will finally take action and vote to protect the fundamental right to life.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise added: “On the first day of the 118th Congress, I am proud that Republicans are following through on the promises that we made to the American people. All life is sacred and must be protected. Congresswoman Wagner’s legislation will give babies born alive during an abortion the necessary, lifesaving medical care that any other baby would receive to give them the best chance at life. It is appalling that for the last four years, Democrats refused to hold a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Republicans are committed to defending life and doing everything in our power to keep babies who survive an abortion alive.”
Melissa Ohden, who survived a botched abortion, told LifeNews she is grateful for the bill.
“This legislation will save lives. The Abortion Survivors Network is committed to serving survivors of abortion at any gestational age, along with their mothers, who deserve compassionate prenatal and postpartum care, a delivery plan, and emotional support. Let us work together to ensure that infant survivors and their mothers receive the best medical and emotional care possible. We are proud to stand with Congresswoman Wagner in support of this legislation,” she said.
Leading pro-life groups also support the bill.
Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, SBA Pro-Life America’s vice president of government affairs: “The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act showcases the barbaric reality of late-term abortion and ensures that babies who are born alive during a failed abortion receive the same medical care as any other baby born prematurely at the same age. As Democrats in Congress continue to push their radical agenda of abortion on demand until birth, we thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Steve Scalise, and Kat Cammack for their tireless fight for children- born and unborn.”
Carol Tobias, President, National Right to Life: “National Right to Life commends Reps. Wagner, Scalise, and Cammack for reintroducing the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This reasonable legislation would protect a baby born alive following an abortion. This bill isn’t about interfering with a so-called right to abortion. It is about stopping infanticide. Congress must act now to pass this legislation and protect these vulnerable babies.”
House Democrats refused a vote on the bill 80 times — reading the same statement they read the previous 79 occasions that claims there is no bipartisan agreement to bring the bill up for a vote. Despite the claim, Republican leaders have repeatedly asked Pelosi and top Democrats to reach an agreement for the bill to receive a vote. Democrats also blocked the bill twice in the Senate.
National polling shows Americans — including people who are “pro-choice” on abortion — oppose abortion up to birth and infanticide. And doctors indicate abortions are never needed to protect a woman’s health and women admit having abortions on healthy babies.
Reporting from Life News.
