FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2012
Contact: Mallory Quigley, 202-223-8073
AZ Judge Upholds Similar Legislation to Ban Abortion Past 20 Weeks
Washington, DC ─ In a victory for pro-life advocates, on Friday a federal court upheld Arizona law H.B. 2036, defended by Alliance Defending Freedom, prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks except in cases where the life of the mother is at risk. Today, the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) urged Congress to pass similar legislation when it votes on H.R. 3803, the D.C. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill would ban abortion in the District of Columbia after 20 weeks gestation, based on scientific research that shows unborn children feel pain past that point in development. Currently in the District, abortion is permitted for any reason until the moment of birth.
“In a political environment marked by extreme polarization, it is rare to find such overwhelming agreement on one issue – but that’s exactly what we find when it comes to banning abortions passed that point at which the unborn child can feel pain,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “A recent poll commissioned by the National Right to Life Committee found that 63 percent of Americans, and 70 percent of women, support bans similar to the one passed in Arizona and which is now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Today, we urge all Members of Congress to vote in favor of protecting unborn lives in the womb – especially those babies capable of feeling excruciating pain at the hand of the abortionists’ instruments. When 70 percent are in agreement, Members would do well to affirm the grassroots and side with the voters. All Representatives would be wise to support this bill.”
Previously, SBA List grassroots activists sent more than 19,000 messages to Congress encouraging their representatives to support H.R. 3803. The group has lobbied in support of Rep. Franks bill, which now has 223 bipartisan co-sponsors, since its introduction.
The same National Right to Life Committee poll also found that American women, by an overwhelming majority of 62-27 percent, would be more likely to vote for lawmakers who support this bill.
The Susan B. Anthony List and its connected Political Action Committee, the SBA List Candidate Fund, are dedicated to electing candidates and pursuing policies that will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To that end, the SBA List will emphasize the election, education, promotion, and mobilization of pro-life women.
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The SBA Pro-Life America National Pro-life Scorecard is a tool that helps hold members of Congress accountable for their legislative records on life and that highlights leadership in the fight to serve women and save babies.
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