The Supreme Court decision in the case of Roe v. Wade in 1973 represents a dark moment in our nation’s history.  The decision handed down in that case legalized abortion in all 50 states by overturning state laws prohibiting it. 

For 46 years, Americans have marked this anniversary during the month of January by participating in the March for Life, which attracts thousands of people to Washington, D.C., and other rallies around the country.  These events remind the nation and the world that millions of Americans deeply believe abortion is wrong and needs to end.  

This year’s March for Life coincides with Senate consideration of my bill, the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.”  As the bill’s name implies, this legislation would provide a permanent ban on using federal funds for abortions.  Taxpayers should never be asked to subsidize a practice so many find morally wrong.  Consideration of this bill also makes clear where each Senator stands on the question of whether federal tax dollars should be used to fund abortion.

Pro-Science is Pro-Life

Although my bill received a majority vote of 48-47, it failed to attain the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate and is unlikely to be considered by the new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives.  However, support for the pro-life movement is growing and scientific advancements and research are helping to win the debate.

Sonograms and ultrasounds were not widely available in 1973 when the Roe case was decided.  Today these technologies have advanced and are readily accessible to expecting mothers.  Parents-to-be can now have a photo of their child before he or she is born.  These images are among the first to be displayed on refrigerators, desks, and social media.

It is harder and harder to deny an unborn child’s humanity when the face and hands can be seen, and the heart can be heard beating.  This technology makes clear that these are children, worthy of love and protection. 

Progress and Challenges Ahead

The Trump Administration continues to be the most pro-life administration in recent history.  The administration’s “Protect Life Rule” prohibits family planning grants from being awarded to organizations that refer patients for abortions, or that co-locate with abortion providers.  The President reinstated the “Mexico City Policy,” a pro-life measure that has kept U.S. funds from going to international nongovernmental organizations that perform abortions or promote them. 

The Senate has also confirmed a record number of the President’s nominees to federal courts, including two justices to the Supreme Court.  These conservative appointments will reshape the makeup of the federal judiciary for the next generation. 

These efforts will not go unchallenged by abortion supporters.  In fact, the very first piece of legislation passed by the House of Representatives when Democrats regained the majority earlier this month included a provision that would restore funding to international abortion providers.

This is not the first time the pro-life movement has encountered political obstacles.  Through progress and challenges, the convictions and values of pro-life Americans have never wavered.  To overcome today’s political environment and build on the successes of the past 46 years, I will continue to offer solutions and work to grow our coalition of support.