Rep. Cammack Applauds House Passage of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Kat Cammack, along with Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) celebrated House passage of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.  The Born-Alive Act ensures that infants born alive after an attempted abortion receive the same protection of law and degree of care as any newborn.

"I've been proud to be a leader on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act for the last three Congresses. With my colleagues Rep. Wagner, Leader Scalise, and Rep. Smith, we’ve proudly defended the most vulnerable and made it clear that all children deserve lifesaving medical care no matter the circumstances of their birth," said Rep. Cammack. "This issue shouldn't be a controversial one, but one that we all rally behind and defend. I'm disappointed that Senate Democrats voted to block this critical bill earlier this week, sending a resounding message to the American people about their values. In the meantime, we in the House will continue to do what is right to push this bill toward President Trump's desk."

"I am so grateful the House passed my vital legislation to ensure babies who survive an abortion are afforded lifesaving medical care. Innocent children deserve the opportunity to live and thrive – period. It's up to us to be the voice for these babies who are at their most vulnerable and ensure they get the love and care they need," said Congresswoman Wagner. "This should not be a controversial issue, but rest assured we will keep up the fight in Congress to make sure all babies, born and unborn, are treated like the miracles of life we know they are."

"Babies born alive after an attempted abortion have a right to lifesaving medical care no matter the circumstances of their birth, and we must ensure that they receive the care and treatment they deserve. Today, House Republicans passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Wagner, to protect the fundamental right to life of abortion survivors by requiring health care practitioners that witness a live birth during or after an attempted abortion to administer the same care to preserve the health and life of the baby they would administer to any other child born at the same age," said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. "This isn't a partisan issue, but a moral one. With this legislation, House Republicans are standing up for our most vulnerable Americans and defending the sanctity of life. It's disgraceful that Senate Democrats voted in lockstep to block consideration of this lifesaving bill. I call on the Senate to swiftly pass this critical bill so it can be sent to President Trump's desk to become law and save lives."

"Democrats don’t want born-alive babies to get life-saving medical care. This is insane. They prefer to do nothing—letting born-alive babies die in the delivery room. Their position is more extreme than communist countries like North Korea and China," Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said. "Fortunately, House Republicans just stepped up and passed a law to save babies' lives. I am proud of Congresswoman Ann Wagner for her tireless effort on this legislation."

"Special thanks to bill sponsor Rep. Ann Wagner, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise for this courageous legislative initiative to mitigate egregious child abuse by requiring that a healthcare provider exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life of a baby born alive after an abortion as they would a child of similar age," said Rep. Chris Smith, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus. "Why is there opposition? The former head of the CDC Abortion Surveillance Unit, explained that live births after an abortion are often hidden by abortionists because admitting to them is 'like turning yourself in to the IRS for an audit…what is there to gain?' This humane, pro-child, human rights legislation protects these innocent survivors and empowers the woman upon whom the abortion is performed to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action."

Background on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act:

• Requires that health care practitioners who are present at the live birth exercise skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child—the same degree of care that would be offered to any other child born prematurely of the same gestational age. After those efforts, the health care workers must transport and admit the child to a hospital.
• Requires health care practitioners and hospital employees to report violations to law enforcement authorities, reducing the number of born-alive abortions that go unreported.
• Ensures accountability and enforceability through criminal penalties.
• Gives the mother of the abortion survivor a civil cause of action against the abortionist and protection from prosecution, recognizing that women are the second victims of abortion and promoting the dignity of motherhood.

###