Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor today, emphasizing the importance of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The bill, which is set for a vote, seeks to ensure that any baby born alive after an attempted abortion receives the same medical care as any other newborn.

Thune stated, "It simply states that a baby born alive after an attempted abortion must be given the same protection and medical care that any other newborn baby would be given." He expressed his belief that this should not be a controversial issue.

Despite this, Thune anticipates opposition from Democratic colleagues. He remarked, "They will vote against protection for a living, breathing newborn baby simply because that child has been born alive after an attempted abortion."

Thune suggested Democrats fear acknowledging the humanity of a newborn might challenge their stance on abortion rights. He argued, "Democrats are afraid that by recognizing the humanity of the newly born child, they will inadvertently point to the humanity of the unborn child."

The debate over this legislation highlights deep divisions within the Senate regarding abortion and related protections. Thune concluded with a call for reflection on respect for life: “Mr. President, we are better than this.”