FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2015

Contact: Sandy Cunningham
(Louisiana Right to Life)

866.463.5433

Erika McManus Walter
(U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.)
202.225.3015

U.S. House Approves Legislation to End Late Abortion

LARTL Congratulates Majority Whip Scalise on Leadership;
Majority Whip Scalise Celebrates Passage

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation prohibiting abortions from being performed five months or more after conception - saving 18,000 innocent lives a year. The House voted 242-184 in favor of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would extend general protection from abortion to unborn children beginning at 20 weeks fetal age. Similar laws have been enacted in 11 states, including Louisiana, but this bill would extend protection nationwide and could save thousands of babies each year from painful deaths.

"Public opinion shows that people across our nation support compassionate legislation that ends painful late abortions in America. We are pleased the House of Representatives took this proactive step to protect babies that feel the pain of abortion," said Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper.

Clapper said Louisiana Right to Life is especially pleased with the leadership shown by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who represents the 1st Congressional District of Louisiana, to help get this bill passed.

"Our own Congressman Scalise showed tremendous leadership and commitment to the pro-life cause as House Majority Whip in steering this legislation to House passage," Clapper said. "We applaud his efforts and encourage the citizens of the 1st District to do so as well."

"The House has taken bold action to save thousands of lives annually and stand up for the unborn by preventing abortions after the fifth month of a pregnancy," House Majority Whip Scalise (R-La.) said. "As a representative of the most pro-life state in the nation, I am proud to share our message with the rest of the country that life is precious. I know Louisiana joins me today in celebrating this historic victory for the unborn."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is expected to introduce a version of the bill in the Senate, and Louisiana Senators David Vitter and Bill Cassidy have already said they would support legislation similar to H.R. 36. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has previously promised he would bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.

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Louisiana Right to Life | Lighting the Way to a Pro-Life Louisiana Since 1970
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