Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, by a vote of 237-189. This legislation protects unborn children nationwide after 20-weeks’ gestation based on the scientific fact that an unborn child can feel pain.
Concerned Women for America CEO and President Penny Young Nance issued the following statement in response:
“Abortion is the human rights issue of our time. Regardless of where one comes down on the issue of life, it is undeniable that an unborn child can feel pain at 20-weeks’ gestation. Not only does this legislation protect unborn children, but it also protects women who face substantially higher risk of complications from a late-term abortion.
“Today the people’s House stood with the majority of Americans who support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. A nationwide consensus on when an elective abortion should no longer be legal is not a radical policy. In fact, a January 2017 Marist poll showed 59% of Americans, including 56% of Americans who identify as pro-choice, support banning abortions after 20 weeks.
“The United States is currently one of only seven nations worldwide — including Vietnam, China and North Korea — that allow elective abortions as late as 23 weeks. That is a radical policy. The U.S. is supposed to lead the world in standing for human rights, not align our policies with nations that are known for human rights abuses. Causing an unborn child, who would otherwise receive the benefit of anesthesia if he/she was undergoing surgery in utero, to feel the pain of an elective, late-term abortion is hardly leading on this front.
“It is time that our laws reflect the principles which have upheld our government, like that of life — life for the baby that feels pain when poked or prodded in the womb and the life of the mother whose life is at risk when seeking a late-term abortion. We now call upon the Senate to swiftly take up and pass this legislation.”
For an interview with Penny Nance, contact Annabelle Rutledge at arutledge@cwfa.org or 916-792-3973.