By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Tuesday, May 13, Alabama Citizens for Life released a statement announcing that the US House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
The Pro-Life group wrote, “This important measure will ban abortions on unborn children aged 20 weeks or older, based upon substantial medical evidence that these unborn children can experience pain. With H.R. 36, Congress will exercise its authority to protect these vulnerable pre-born children throughout America.”
Alabama Citizens for Life wrote, “Over 300 M.D.’s perform these painful late term abortions at more than 274 sites in the US. However, while a vote has been scheduled for later this week, successful passage of H.R. 36 is not assured. H.R. 36 needs your personal support NOW. Please contact your personal Representative today.” “Ask them to support H.R. 36 with their vote.”
Alabama Citizens For Life Cheryl Ciamarra wrote, “Ask your Representative to vote YES on HR 36.”
The legislation had been stalled in the GOP-controlled House since January because of internal divisions in the Republican caucus over its language.
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), the chairwoman of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee led dissent that forced the GOP leadership to withdraw the bill from a floor vote on the day of the March for Life. Ellmers demanded rape and incest exceptions to the original bill.
The President of National Right to Life Carol Tobias said in a statement, “National Right to Life strongly supports this legislation, which can save thousands of babies from painful deaths each year. We are grateful to Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and chief bill sponsor Trent Franks, among others, for their steadfast commitment to overcoming the obstacles raised in January, while refining the bill to enhance protections for pain-capable unborn children. This is a strong bill that can save thousands of babies from painful deaths annually. The problems that developed in January were not the fault of these leaders. They deserve great credit for not taking the easy route of gravely weakening the bill in order to facilitate a quick vote. National Right to Life is deeply grateful for their determination to take the time to do the job right and do the diligent work necessary to craft strong legislation focused on the unborn child.”
