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| Rep. Adrian Smith |
During my travels around the Third District this week, I thought often of those traveling from our state to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. Despite frigid temperatures and an impending blizzard, this year’s march went on undeterred. I admire this dedication to defending the sanctity of human life and wish I could have been in Washington to meet with participating Nebraskans, as I have had the opportunity to do many times.
About 20,000 people participated in the first March for Life in 1974. Recently, this number has grown into the hundreds of thousands as people flock to the nation’s capital to show their support for a culture of life. Each person marching in D.C. represents many more Americans who believe defending the sanctity of human life is essential to defending freedom.
Abhorrent practices by Planned Parenthood, as shown in a series of videos, remain at the forefront of many people’s minds. I have heard from thousands of Nebraskans in recent months wanting the organization to be held accountable for its atrocities against the unborn and to stop receiving federal funding. Taxpayers should not be forced to compromise their consciences.
Planned Parenthood’s 2014-2015 annual report reflected a 27 percent drop in cancer screening and prevention services, and an 11 percent drop in services overall. In contrast, by analyzing the organization’s yearly reports, the Susan B. Anthony List found Planned Parenthood has performed nearly one million abortions over the past three reported years alone.
With Planned Parenthood receiving more than $500 million in taxpayer funds annually, the organization’s own reports show why these dollars must be directed elsewhere.
Earlier this month, Congress sent an Obamacare repeal bill to the President’s desk which also defunded Planned Parenthood and redirected those funds to other community health providers. Not surprisingly, President Obama vetoed the legislation. However, getting this bill through Congress and directly to the President was a positive step forward in this effort. I also voted in favor of the Defund Planned Parenthood Act in September and will continue to support legislation to stop the flow of taxpayer dollars to this organization.
As one of 12 states which have enacted the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into state law, Nebraska is an example to the rest of the country in its commitment to protecting the unborn. This legislation recognizes an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of twenty weeks is capable of feeling pain and prohibits abortions past twenty weeks of pregnancy.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act at the federal level. This important bill passed the House in May. We also passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in September to enforce stronger criminal penalties on abortion providers who deny medical care to children who survive an abortion procedure.
Respect for human life must be a cornerstone of public policy. To everyone who has devoted their time and effort to the cause of life, including those who braved the threat of a historic snowstorm in Washington, thank you. I will continue to stand with you and defend those who cannot defend themselves.
About 20,000 people participated in the first March for Life in 1974. Recently, this number has grown into the hundreds of thousands as people flock to the nation’s capital to show their support for a culture of life. Each person marching in D.C. represents many more Americans who believe defending the sanctity of human life is essential to defending freedom.
Abhorrent practices by Planned Parenthood, as shown in a series of videos, remain at the forefront of many people’s minds. I have heard from thousands of Nebraskans in recent months wanting the organization to be held accountable for its atrocities against the unborn and to stop receiving federal funding. Taxpayers should not be forced to compromise their consciences.
Planned Parenthood’s 2014-2015 annual report reflected a 27 percent drop in cancer screening and prevention services, and an 11 percent drop in services overall. In contrast, by analyzing the organization’s yearly reports, the Susan B. Anthony List found Planned Parenthood has performed nearly one million abortions over the past three reported years alone.
With Planned Parenthood receiving more than $500 million in taxpayer funds annually, the organization’s own reports show why these dollars must be directed elsewhere.
Earlier this month, Congress sent an Obamacare repeal bill to the President’s desk which also defunded Planned Parenthood and redirected those funds to other community health providers. Not surprisingly, President Obama vetoed the legislation. However, getting this bill through Congress and directly to the President was a positive step forward in this effort. I also voted in favor of the Defund Planned Parenthood Act in September and will continue to support legislation to stop the flow of taxpayer dollars to this organization.
As one of 12 states which have enacted the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into state law, Nebraska is an example to the rest of the country in its commitment to protecting the unborn. This legislation recognizes an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of twenty weeks is capable of feeling pain and prohibits abortions past twenty weeks of pregnancy.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act at the federal level. This important bill passed the House in May. We also passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in September to enforce stronger criminal penalties on abortion providers who deny medical care to children who survive an abortion procedure.
Respect for human life must be a cornerstone of public policy. To everyone who has devoted their time and effort to the cause of life, including those who braved the threat of a historic snowstorm in Washington, thank you. I will continue to stand with you and defend those who cannot defend themselves.
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