The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation requiring that abortion doctors provide emergency care to infants that are born alive during an abortion. Congressman Robert Aderholt voted in favor of the bill and applauded its passage.
“I was proud to speak on the House floor today in support of H.R. 26, which would require that babies born during an abortion be given the same medical care and treatment that any other baby born at that stage of development would be given,” Aderholt said in a statement on Facebook. “This bill has passed in the House before and previously received bipartisan support.”
The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nationwide federation of right-to-life organizations, supports the legislation – the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
“National Right to Life believes that it is time for Congress to act decisively to put the entire abortion industry on notice that when they treat a born-alive human person as medical waste or as a non-entity who may be subjected to lethal violence with impunity, they will do so at legal peril,” the group said in a statement. “H.R. 26 would enact an explicit requirement that a baby born alive during an abortion must be afforded “the same degree” of care that would apply “to any other child born alive at the same gestational age,” including transportation to a hospital.”
The bill requires that babies born alive during abortions are treated in the same manner as those who are spontaneously born prematurely. The bill also applies the existing penalties of the federal murder statute to anyone who performs “an overt act that kills a child born alive.” It also provides a civil cause of action to women who are harmed by violations of the act.
The House of Representatives also adopted Rep. Mike Johnson’s concurrent resolution that would condemn attacks on pro-life organizations.
H.R. 26 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner.
“I have championed this issue for decades, and I have been blessed and honored to lead this legislation since 2019,” Wagner said. “Thanks to our efforts, after dozens of unanimous consent requests, two discharge petitions, and countless hours of advocacy work, the House has finally taken action to ensure that every single baby born in the United States receives lifesaving medical care at their most vulnerable moment. We must remember today that children are not the only victims of born-alive abortions. Women, fathers, and whole families all suffer deeply from the loss of their child. Our communities are weaker because these bright young ones did not grow up to share their wisdom, laughter, and ingenuity with us.”
“Every single newborn, regardless the circumstances of their birth, deserves to share the miracle of life and have lifesaving medical care,” Wagner continued. “We must act with compassion to protect these little ones and give women a strong support system as they navigate the miracles and challenges of motherhood. This bill will save real lives, and it will give survivors a precious chance to build a future. Our world is blessed now that we all know the Republican majority is here to fight on behalf of the precious, innocent lives of those who cannot fight for themselves.”
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said that the House Republicans had promised to pass this legislation if they were given control of the House of Representatives.
“House Republicans have been committed to advancing legislation that protects the lives of the unborn and their mothers,” McCarthy said in a statement. “In the very first week, we kept that commitment because strong families are the essence of American life. And in the face of a growing movement to devalue the miracle of life, we must also protect every American fighting for life – including those at pro-life pregnancy centers and churches from violence and threats. We will continue to prioritize the defense of life and all individuals from violence and intimidation.”
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 to 210 in favor of passing H.R. 26. In addition to Aderholt, Congressmen Dale Strong, Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, Mike Rogers, and Gary Palmer voted in favor. Congresswoman Terri Sewell voted against it. Only one Democrat in the House voted in favor. No Republicans voted against the legislation.
“We commend the House of Representatives for passing legislation to protect innocent children from infanticide and urge the Senate to follow suit,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities. “Babies who are born alive during the process of an abortion deserve compassionate care and medical attention – just the same as any other newborn baby.”
The legislation now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Aderholt is the dean of the Alabama Congressional delegation. He is serving in his fourteenth term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.
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