Is Roe v. Wade on the Ropes?

Note: On Jan. 21, the GOP leadership pulled this bill and cancelled the vote. Please read my new post on what’s happened — and, more than ever, please contact your representative. -JD

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Your help is needed.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are currently gearing up for a vote on a bill that would ban abortion (with a few exceptions) after 20 weeks’ gestation.

It’s called the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” (H.R. 36) and it builds on the fact that 10 states have already passed local versions of the law since 2010.

Of course, abortion at any stage of development is tragic. We will never give up the fight until every pre-born baby is protected under law, but the passage of this bill would do several things:

1.  It would help establish legal protection at a federal level for babies viable outside the womb.
2.  It would help educate the country on the humanity of preborn children.
3.  It would serve to erode Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in all 50 states 42 years ago.
4.  And most importantly: passing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would potentially save lives.

And that’s why I want to encourage you to contact your representative – make a call, send an email – and let him or her know that this is a bill you want them to support.

For such a time as this

A previous pain-capable bill was passed by the House in the last (2013-2014) Congress, but it never saw the light of day in the Senate.

However, thanks to pro-life advocates who got involved, campaigned and voted, life-affirming candidates won big in November’s midterm elections. The Wall St. Journal is reporting how the new pro-life majority across the United States is facilitating efforts to limit abortion – and save lives.

These wins in the U.S. House and Senate have made it so the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act has a real shot of passing both chambers. And despite the fact that President Obama will almost certainly veto any pro-life legislation, the historic congressional vote sends a loud message regarding the broad support for life.

Focus’ decades-long involvement advocating for life has taught us that we should take nothing for granted when it comes to the political process. As encouraged as I am about the opportunities before us, I know we’re not there yet.

Our team has made it easy for you to contact your U.S. House representatives. Simply click on the link and let your representative know that the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36) provides reasonable, constitutional protection for babies who feel pain and can survive outside the womb. Please encourage your elected official to vote yes when the bill comes up (likely on Thursday, Jan. 22).

Again, please take a couple minutes to contact your representative, and please say a prayer that our elected officials would take this important step in affirming the value of life.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, policy, pro-life January 16, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura