Pro-Life Members Applaud Unifying Revisions to Pain-Capable Bill Upon Announcement of Coming Floor Action

Statement

Upon the announcement of next week's floor action on H.R. 36 the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Congressmen Trent Franks (AZ-08), Diane Black (TN-06), Joe Pitts (PA-16), Chris Smith (NJ-04), and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) released the following statements:

Congressman Franks:

"I am so grateful to all who have worked so hard to craft language that will now unite the pro-life base in a positive and effective way. This proposal is substantially stronger than the original bill, and it places the focus back upon protecting mothers and their innocent little pain-capable babies, from the beginning of the sixth month until birth."

Congressman Black:

"While I was prepared to support this measure in its original form earlier this year, I am pleased that we have devised a stronger, improved bill that will ultimately save more unborn lives. This is a human rights issue. Science tells us that, after twenty weeks, babies can feel pain and are increasingly able to live outside the womb. As a nurse, I believe it is unconscionable that - in the year 2015 - the United States continues to be one of only seven countries to allow elective abortions at this late stage in a pregnancy. This bill is a compassionate, commonsense measure to change that. I was honored to take part in drafting this strengthened legislation and am grateful to Congressman Franks, House leadership, and the many grassroots pro-life organizations who worked tirelessly to bring this bill back for a vote."

Congressman Pitts:

"This coming week marks the two-year anniversary of Kermit Gosnell's conviction for first-degree murder after delivering three babies alive, and then killing them. One of his "patients," Karnamaya Mongar, also died at his hands. While Pennsylvanians can't undo this tragedy, this legislation will protect innocent unborn children in the sixth month of pregnancy across the country - even better than the original version did. This bill will help to ensure that tragedies like those that occurred in Kermit Gosnell's office will not happen again."

Congressman Smith:

"I am very grateful that today House Republican Leadership has announced that the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36) will be considered by the House next week. The timing could not be more fitting. Next week marks the second anniversary of the conviction of the infamous abortionist Kermit Gosnell - who was sentenced to life in prison for killing one of his patients -- Mrs. Karnamaya Mongar -- and three babies who were born alive after attempted abortions."

Congresswoman Hartzler:

"I am pleased to see this important legislation moving forward. In addition to protecting innocent babies who can feel the pain of an abortion, the new language goes further, adding protections for mothers and infants as well. I am thankful for all those who wouldn't let this issue fade. It is extremely important that we continue to defend the value of every child - born or unborn, and I look forward this bill coming to the floor."