Dear John,
The Declaration of Independence clearly states every American has the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” and I believe this includes all human beings, even the unborn. The unborn have a heartbeat, two arms and two legs, and a totally unique DNA. This the definition of human life, and more and more people realize we have science on our side. For the 117th Congress, I have supported many pro-life bills advancing the rights of the unborn.
Since Roe v. Wade became law in 1973, abortion has ended the lives of more than 62 million innocent children, according to CDC data tracking by Life News. Congress has a responsibility to safeguard pro-life legislation and provisions that protect both taxpayer money and the lives of unborn babies. While Americans are divided on some abortion issues, there is overwhelming consensus that taxpayer money shouldn’t fund abortions and that late term abortions should end just as they are restricted in most of the industrialized world.
I’m a cosponsor of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021, which would make the Hyde Amendment and other current abortion funding prohibitions permanent and government wide.
The Hyde Amendment, first enacted in 1976, prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to fund most abortions and abortion coverage through government programs like Medicaid. This amendment must be renewed annually in government spending bills and only covers funds appropriated through Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriation bills. The Hyde Amendment also ensures the Affordable Care Act (ACA) conforms to it. Unfortunately, President Biden and Speaker Pelosi want to get rid of the amendment.
I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 1080, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. H.R. 1080 amends the US Code to prohibit any person from performing an abortion on an unborn baby who is 20 weeks or older (known as the post-fertilization age). By this stage of development, the unborn child can feel pain.
Our medical professionals took an oath to save lives and provide the best medical care to their patients. I hope that any doctor, nurse, or health professional, would do everything they can to save the life of both the mother and her child. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 619, the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires physicians to provide adequate medical care for babies who survive abortion procedures and imposes strong criminal penalties for failure to do so. Notably, this bill would also protect the mother from prosecution. I have personally met two women who survived abortion procedures, and today they are now leading wonderful lives.
While science tells me the unborn baby is human life and deserves protection, my faith motivates me to act. I’m inspired by the words of David and Jeremiah in the Old Testament. We are called to protect and defend all human life, no matter age, race, gender, or disability. It is my hope we can restore our humanity and work together to end abortion that has stopped so many beating hearts, while also continuing to protect mothers in challenging circumstances.
It was this calling that also motivated my wife and I to get involved in foster care, adoption, and ministries to support women who need help during pregnancy. Today, as the Co-Chair of the Foster Care Caucus, we are making smart reforms to improve the lives and well-being of all children.
This week, I visited the Bethlehem House in Omaha. For 16 years, they've helped over 638 families and have provided education programs, therapy, and assistance to pregnant women, many of which are homeless. I was glad to learn how their programs have supported women by encouraging them to become self-sufficient and not rely on government assistance after leaving the program.
Because of these beneficial programs, there is a continual wait list for these resources and opportunities. These are the type of resources women need to succeed and establish independence while caring for their children.
For additional resources and programs available for pregnant women, Visit the Nebraska DHHS Women, Infants, and Children’s webpage.
As always, I am praying for our country and the health and safety of all Americans.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at (402) 938-0300, or visit my website at https://bacon.house.gov.
Sincerely,
