RIGHT TO LIFE

Life is a precious gift.  From the moment of conception, a unique human being is present. No one should be denied the right to life - certainly not those who are young and defenseless.

Recent scientific discoveries and new imaging technologies demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that human life begins at conception.  An embryo at its earliest stages, while barely visible to the naked eye, possesses genetically distinct DNA and chromosome structures that will remain unchanged throughout the child's entire life.  According to researchers, a child feels pain as early as 20 weeks of development.  Surgeons have successfully performed corrective spina bifida procedures on patients as early as 19 weeks following conception.  Parents around the country have marveled at images of their little boys and girls in the womb, as a result of 3-dimensional Sonogram technology.  These advances in the medical community are causing many Americans to come to a realization that some of us have always known... a child in the womb is a human life.

I believe that we should protect and defend children in their mother's womb.  During my time in Congress, I have taken the lead in numerous legislative battles in defense of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, beginning at the moment of conception. I have been the principle sponsor of the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, the Prenatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, and the Human Chimera Prohibition Act, among other bills.  I have also worked with my colleagues to push forward such measures as the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.  In addition, I believe that we need to encourage women with unplanned pregnancies to consider more strongly the options of motherhood and adoption.  As a father of two adopted children, I can personally attest to the immense joy these children bring.  Finally, I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will someday recognize its error in Roe v. Wade and overturn this terrible decision; indeed, I will continue to support judicial nominees who understand the respect for human life at the root of the Constitution.

The underlying principle in this discussion is that human life is a blessing from God, and, therefore, human life has intrinsic value and dignity.  If we close our hearts to the truth of the value of prenatal human life, we are not only failing to protect those who are the most vulnerable, but we are also closing our hearts to the value of each and every life.  

Moreover, life and liberty are fundamental aspects of the American dream.  Accordingly, I believe that the United States should be in the business of protecting and defending human life. You may be sure that I will continue to be a strong advocate for legislation that ensures all individuals are afforded their inalienable right to life.