Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are planning to take a vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a law that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, on October 3.
The National Catholic Register is reporting on this important vote which could save tens of thousands of lives every year by banning abortion after the point when an unborn child can feel pain – which is scientifically substantiated to be at 20 weeks. Not only can they feel pain at 20 weeks gestation, but a small percentage of these babies can now survive outside the womb if given the right treatment.
The only exception to the prohibition would be in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at stake.
“This bill would not only save 20,000 lives every year, but would educate the public on the humanity of the unborn person and affirm the science of fetal pain early in development,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life.
According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, research shows that unborn babies can feel pain at 20 weeks post-fertilization, as well as exhibit defensive responses during invasive procedures in the womb as early as six weeks post-fertilization.
Sparing these innocent lives from such unspeakable treatment is the only humane response, regardless of one’s position on abortion.
“Not only will passing this legislation keep a promise we made, but all the work is for the same goal — ending suffering and helping people live,” said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
The bill is expected to pass in the House where a similar version passed in 2015 but failed to overcome a Senate filibuster by Democrats. President Trump has already promised to sign it but getting it passed in the Senate will be a high hurdle. This is because 60 votes are needed to bring the bill to the floor and fewer than 60 members have a consistent pro-life voting record.
For this reason, the 2018 midterm elections will be critical.
“We are preparing for 2018 Senate elections,” said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannensfelser to CNA earlier this week. “If we come up short, which is likely . . . what we’re doing is we’re building that Senate up to a 60-vote margin.”
Until then, we need to do our part to get beyond the usual “pro-choice” and “women’s rights” rhetoric to educate the public about the science of when human beings are capable of feeling pain.
“Torture is illegal in the United States, except when practiced against babies in the womb,” said Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life. “Aborted children aren’t just tortured, they’re tortured to death. Therefore, this bill stands in a unique category among the many bills considered by the House. It defines not just a policy, but who we are as a people. By passing the Unborn Child Protection Act next week, the House has a chance to declare that as a civilized nation, we will no longer permit any unborn child who can feel pain to die such an excruciating death.”
Rep. Trent Frank (R-AZ) agrees: “It is time that America recognizes and responds to the humanity [of the unborn] and the inhumanity of what is being done to them.”
Contact your representatives today and tell them to vote for an end to the inhumane treatment of the unborn!
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