House Members Celebrate March for Life Week by Voting on Two Pro-Life Bills

January 18, 2024 | Washington, D.C.

by Eagle Forum Executive Director, Tabitha Walter

This year, we do not have to bear another anniversary of Roe v. Wade  — the 1972 Supreme Court decision trumping states’ abilities to legislate on abortion restrictions. However, the March for Life is still going strong.

On Friday, January 19th, thousands of pro-life advocates will gather in celebration of the overturning of Roe and in solidarity for a pro-life commitment in all facets of American society. Even though Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization returned these decisions to the American people, abortions are still happening across our nation and the Biden administration is stoking fear and pushing abortion-on-demand in every way they can. There is much more that needs to be done, and our pro-life Congressmen are holding several votes this week to protect women and their babies.

Planned Parenthood preys on the fears of women who have found themselves unexpectedly pregnant. On their website, they list the reasons that women may opt for an abortion. Among the reasons include, “It’s not a good time in their life to have a baby,” “They just don’t want to be a parent,” or “They want to finish school, focus on work, or achieve other goals before having a baby.” They ignore the fundamental right to life of every unborn child. Then, they isolate the woman by saying, “…you’re the only person walking in your shoes and the only person who can decide whether to have an abortion.” Of course, no resources are listed to encourage women to consider the human being growing in their wombs nor do they inform pregnant women of the various assistance programs available to assist them when they choose life. This is the grooming process that the abortion industry uses to make women feel hopeless and alone.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pro-lifers only want to help babies while they are in the womb. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a rule that allows states to restrict funds from the $16.5 billion Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program from pregnancy resource centers. The Biden administration’s reasoning for this is that these centers “only help women after they have become pregnant” and HHS is only interested in “preventing out-of-wedlock births.” They ignore the fact that pregnancy resource centers provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing, prenatal and parenting classes, and items for babies such as diapers, car seats, clothing, etc., workforce information, and more. It seems the Biden Administration does not want to help women and their babies survive and thrive, only ensure that as many unwanted pregnancies as possible end in abortion.

In response to HHS’s proposed rule, Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) introduced the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6918) to ensure that pregnancy resource centers are not discriminated against based on their stance of helping pregnant women during and after their pregnancies. In a press release, Rep. Fischbach stated:

Pregnancy centers offer a wide array of services and support for expectant mothers, fathers, and their families. Women who face an unexpected pregnancy should be able to safely go into a facility that is not going to push abortion on them and instead provide them with the education and support they need. And yet, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a rule that could restrict states from using TANF funding for these important resources, and encourages funding to go to facilities that provide abortions. This is one more example of this Administration’s anti-women, pro-abortion agenda. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures pregnancy centers cannot be excluded or restricted from receiving TANF funding. Make no mistake, conservatives are here for unborn children and their mothers and we want to ensure an expectant mother is empowered to raise her family.

Simultaneously, the House is moving the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act (H.R. 6914) sponsored by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA). This bill strengthens the Title IX pregnant student provisions and amends the Higher Education Act to ensure a pregnant student can carry a baby to term by receiving accommodations in their educational experience. Accommodations could include modified class schedules, excused absences, and more. There is also language to require colleges to educate students on these rights and the process of filing a federal complaint if these rights are violated. Rep. Hinson explained:

It is unacceptable that pregnant women on college campuses are often told they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby. Pregnant women should be informed of all resources available to continue their education while pregnant, never pressured into having an abortion. This legislation will empower young women to choose life and ensure they have access to support while they work to provide the best future for themselves and their child.

TAKE ACTION

Eagle Forum supports both of these bills and implores Congress and state lawmakers to do even more. There are so many ways you can stay involved in the pro-life movement. Check out Eagle Forum’s Pro-Life Toolkit to find resources on the current laws in your state and how to talk to others about abortion.