Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act--Motion to Proceed
Floor Speech
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Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I am a proud pro-life Senator, and I stand on the floor of the Senate today with a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. It is a feeling that comes with the knowledge that over the past 40 years more than 50 million Americans have not had the chance to have their feet touch the soil of our country. That is why I am thankful for the opportunity we have this week here in the Senate--an opportunity to celebrate life and to protect life, God's most amazing gift of all.
I am proud to have joined my colleague and senior Senator from my State, Lindsey Graham, in introducing this version of the pain-capable legislation in the Senate.
The studies are very, very clear that this legislation can save more than 18,000 lives each and every year. That is right, 18,000 lives each and every year. We aren't talking about anything other than the results of sound science. And because of that sound science, we know that at approximately 5 months babies can feel pain. We know that if a baby were to need prenatal surgery at that age, they would be given anesthesia. Why? Because that little life--that little life--feels pain.
Yesterday, Senator Blunt gave name after name after name of babies born around 5 months who have gone on to live healthy and full lives. This is not about pro-choice or pro-life. It is simply about protecting ten fingers, ten toes, and one beating heart, and bringing the amazing gift of life.
In our world, out of nearly 200 nations, only seven allow abortions on demand after 20 weeks--only seven out of 200 nations. Who is among the seven nations? China, North Korea, Vietnam, and the United States. Really?
So while I may stand here today with a gnawing in my stomach, I also stand with hope--hope that we can take a massive step forward in protecting life--18,000 lives a year--by passing this important legislation.
America is truly a great nation. So let's improve our reputation and not lower our expectations because, as John Winthrop said nearly 400 years ago, ``We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us.''
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