On behalf of pro-life democrats, I urge support for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (BAASPA).

Our party’s mission is to defend the vulnerable and advocate for those without a voice. As Democrats, we fight for protections in the workforce to ensure a safe working environment. We also fight for protections for immigrants who come to our country and need food and shelter. We fight for racial justice and protect those in disenfranchised and vulnerable communities. 

The bill does not prohibit abortion; rather, it provides specific protections for extremely vulnerable infants who survive an attempted abortion. BAASPA rightly emphasizes that a doctor must offer the same medical care to a newborn who survives an abortion as they would to any other newborn born at the same stage of development, prioritizing the child’s best interests.

We should not differentiate between a wanted child born at 26 weeks and an unwanted child who survives an abortion. Both should receive the same standard of care.

It’s heartbreaking to think about our most vulnerable children and the protections they so desperately need under the law. If we can’t come together to ensure their safety, we must ask ourselves: who truly deserves that care? Imagine a child in need of urgent medical attention; if they face a serious injury and arrive at the emergency room, should we leave it up to the doctor to decide whether to intervene and save that precious life? It’s hard to believe anyone would view that as an acceptable approach. We owe it to our children to prioritize their well-being and advocate for their protection.

We should not forget that there are children, many of who are now adults who survived an abortion attempt because they did receive healthcare. We must reflect on what messages are being sent about their worth and value in society when legal protections for infants born alive during abortions are removed. Denying these babies the care and support they deserve can feel like stripping away their dignity and the human rights they should inherently possess. It’s essential to remember that a doctor’s commitment to “do no harm” should extend to all newborns, ensuring they receive the compassion and care they need in their vulnerable moments.

The heartbreaking reality of failing to recognize and affirm the right to life, particularly for infants who have just entered this world, is profoundly concerning. We must maintain a clear and unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life. Every newborn, infant, and child deserves the care, compassion, and protection they need to thrive. We must come together to advocate for an end to infanticide and ensure that all children are given the chance they rightfully deserve.