A coalition supported by the leaders of some of the country's largest pro-life and women's groups pressed lawmakers Wednesday to pass legislation banning late-term abortions, calling on House Republicans to keep campaign promises to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
"This legislation protects women and their unborn children after 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy, from painful and dangerous late-term abortions," said the letter from the coalition, which includes the Susan B. Anthony List and the Family Research Council, reports
The Washington Free Beacon.
"It is a simple, compassionate proposal supported by a large majority of Americans, including women and young people."
The bill, if passed, would eliminate late-term abortions that would be performed after an unborn child can feel pain.
The coalition also is backed by the March For Life, Concerned Women For America, the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, the National Pro-life Religious Council, Americans United for Life, and Students for Life of America.
The letter singles out House Republicans for failing to pass the bill after supporters withdrew, saying that the Senate is ready to take up the legislation.
"A vote on this popular, modest bill will serve as a benchmark as to whether the House GOP is serious about protecting unborn babies and women," the coalition said.
Polls show most Americans do not approve of late-term abortions. A
Knights of Columbus-Marist poll earlier this year showed that the overwhelming majority of Americans remain very uncomfortable about abortion, with 84 percent wanting it limited to, at most, the first 90 days of pregnancy.
Almost seven in 10 (69 percent) who identify themselves as "pro-choice" favor this limit on abortion, the
survey found.
The Obama administration, however, appears to be going in the opposite direction. The White House is threatening to veto the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, arguing that it is an "assault on a woman's right to choose" and "disregards" women's health and the Constitution.
GOP lawmakers killed the proposal on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, and three months later are still fighting over whether the abortions should be allowed in cases of rape and incest.
However, sources told the Free Beacon that there are enough votes to pass the legislation.
Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said he is "fully committed to the pro-life cause" and is working with members to bring the vote forward, although a timetable for the legislation is not known at this time.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, said she does not question the pro-life beliefs of many House Republicans, but said it is time for them to take action. Her group has contributed millions to Republican politicians over the past three election cycles.
"Soon, policy watchers will start to speak of the urgency of impending government funding bills," she said. "Prioritizing this vote when it doesn't feel urgent is true leadership. The urgent should not crowd out the vitally important."