BY REP. PHIL ROE
I know abortion is an emotional topic for many, but controversial events have recently occurred, encouraging me to share my perspective. As an OB/GYN for over 31 years before coming to Congress, I had the privilege of delivering nearly 5,000 babies — each a unique gift from God. Last month, I was so proud to see tens of thousands of people come from across the country for the annual March for Life protesting the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. In the month following that event, I’ve been appalled by the advance of legislation in New York and Virginia to ease restrictions on late-term abortions.
After New York state legislators passed a law that expanded access to late-term abortions, they were joined by the governor in a celebratory event during which lawmakers and advocates cheered its passage. State legislators in Virginia then proposed a similar bill that would extend the timeline of abortion availability. The sponsor of the legislation described the bill as allowing abortions right up until the moment when a woman gives birth. Then Virginia’s Governor, Ralph Northam, defended the bill, stating that if it became law what would happen with a child with severe deformities is, “…the infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.” This is wrong and sickens me to my core. Thankfully, the bill in Virginia was defeated.
I have seen first-hand that life is a precious and beautiful miracle which begins at conception. I wholeheartedly support women’s access to health care services, but abortions are not health care. As physicians, we should be showing patients there are other options than abortion. Adoption is a chance for those who may not have the ability to conceive to have a family of their own. There are over 926,190 abortions a year, a truly tragic statistic; imagine what those babies could have been if they were given the chance to live. They could have been doctors, teachers, politicians and fathers or mothers; the possibilities are endless.
A former coworker of mine recounted an experience she had with a pregnant woman who had her mind set on getting an abortion. She had a brief conversation with this woman at the time, and had not heard from her until recently when this woman told her that she had given the baby up for adoption and that decision had changed her life for the better. The child was taken care of by a loving, caring family, while she was able to continue on with her life as well — all because she chose life.
In reaction to these state law proposals, Republicans in Congress are working to fulfill President Trump’s State of the Union request to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, of which I’m an original cosponsor. This bill, introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), would require physicians to perform the necessary medical care for children who survive an abortion and would make it a federal crime for those who do not provide that care. Unfortunately, Democrats refuse to put this bill up for a vote, but Republicans are continuing to fight for this critical legislation that would finally criminalize infanticide. I’m also proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 20, which would eliminate the usage of taxpayer funding to go towards funding abortion and abortion insurance.
It is important everyone stands up for the unborn and their right to life, not just legislators. I support all the efforts of pro-life activists and the thousands who attend the March for Life each year advocating on behalf of those who can’t advocate for themselves. I stand with them and the work they do. I will continue to be a voice for the unborn throughout my time in Congress.