Pro-lifers scored a major legislative victory today with the Senate passage of H.R. 6523, a Department of Defense funding bill which keeps pro-life provisions in place, including a ban on abortions at military base hospitals.
The ban had been threatened by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), who attempted to push through an amendment which would allow abortions to be performed at both domestic and overseas military facilities. Democrats had tried twice to push the bill through with the Burris amendment entact.
The bill will now go to the House of Representatives, which is expected to sign off on the changes, and then to the desk of President Obama. The victory all but ensures pro-life policies at military bases until at least 2013.
DOD performance or funding of abortions has been prohibited since 1996, and the pro-abortion lobby has continually attempted to overturn the law, to no avail.
We applaud Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), who led the fight against the amendment at the committee level. He also planned to strike the amendment on the Senate floor, an action which was blocked by Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), leading to a call for a filibuster.
Christian Medical Association Vice President Gene Rudd, MD, who received the Gorgas Award for distinguished service in the American military, opposed the Burris amendment, stating:
“If enacted, requiring military physicians to perform abortions threatens military readiness. Morale will suffer among those already serving. Morale is a key component of military effectiveness. Furthermore, just as we have seen a marked decrease in young doctors entering OB/Gyn training for fear of being forced to do abortion, this requirement will discourage young doctors from joining the military.”
Thank you to the brave Senators who voted to uphold the pro-life provisions!
SBA Pro-Life America's mission is to end abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders. Your secure gift today will help to advance a culture of life and protect unborn children and their mothers from abortion.
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