Ernst Statement in Support of 5 Month Abortion Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after the Senate failed to garner enough votes to proceed on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would ban abortions after about 5 months of pregnancy – a stage of development at which evidence shows unborn babies can feel pain and may survive outside the womb with appropriate medical care: 

“I am deeply disappointed by today’s outcome as this legislation would protect as many as 10,000 vulnerable lives every year. There should be no disagreement when it comes to protecting the life of an unborn child that reaches the point of development at which he or she can feel pain.  

“As a mother and grandmother, I remain steadfast in my commitment to defend life and will continue working tirelessly to ensure that our nation does not deny these innocent babies a future they rightly deserve. It is our responsibility as a society to protect the most vulnerable – particularly those who cannot protect themselves.”

Last night, Senator Ernst spoke on the Senate floor to urge support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and shared the story of the Pickering family from Newton, Iowa. Micah Pickering was born prematurely at just 5 months and has grown to be an energetic three-year old boy. 

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