Today the United States House of Representatives passed a major pro-life bill: The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. In 2010, Nebraska was the first state in the union to pass this type of legislation, and the nonpartisan unicameral did so with with an overwhelming majority: 44-5.
This bill bans abortions after 20 weeks gestation, with limited exceptions in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. As medical science has improved and we’ve learned more about life inside the womb, it’s clear that at this point in development babies feel pain.
The humanity of a pre-born child is evident even at the earliest stages of a pregnancy. In only a matter of weeks, every major organ is present, brain waves can be detected, and fingers and toes begin to wiggle.
Each of Nebraska’s Congressional representatives, Jeff Fortenberry, Adrian Smith, and Don Bacon, voted yes on this bill.
As the bill heads to the Senate, it’s clear it will be an uphill battle. Republicans have a narrow majority with 52 votes, but will need 60 to send The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act to the President’s desk.
Although this type of law received bipartisan support in Nebraska just seven years ago, recently the Democratic party has adopted an extreme platform on abortion rights. This shift has some asking, ‘What happened to safe, legal and rare?‘
Omaha’s 2017 mayoral race was thrown into the spotlight when it came to light that Democratic candidate Heath Mello, who had served in the Nebraska Legislature, had voted in support of Nebraska’s version of this bill in 2010. But by 2012, he voted with Planned Parenthood 100% of the time.
Senators Sanders and Pelosi defended Mello, arguing that people shouldn’t be banned from the party because of their stance on one issue, but others disagreed and many sounded off against him.
In the end Mello lost the race to incumbent Jean Stothert. Although it’s unclear what role this controversy played in the final outcome of the race, Democratic leadership was clear about one thing: there isn’t room for anyone “anti-choice” in their ranks.
The pro-life movement continues to gain momentum. According to the 2016 Statistical Report of Abortions in Nebraska, surgical abortions are declining each year and in total are down 54% since 2000.
This year, the Nebraska legislature passed two pro-life, NFA supported bills: Choose Life License Plates and the Compassion and Care for Medically Challenging Pregnancies Act.
Life inside the womb is as valuable as life outside the womb. Laws and policies at every level should reflect this fundamental truth.
Hallie Hamilton
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