Rep. Kustoff Stands for Pro-Life Legislation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today delivered remarks on the House floor in support of The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 4712), legislation that he cosponsored. This bill makes it a federal crime to fail to provide standard medical care to children born alive during an abortion. It would also apply stronger penalties in cases where an overt act is taken to kill an abortion survivor.

The Congressman's speech comes one day before the 45th Annual March for Life takes place on the National Mall, where hundreds of thousands of Americans will gather to fight for the sanctity of life.

The full text of Congressman Kustoff's remarks follows:

I rise today in support of H.R. 4712, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which was introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade.

Unfortunately, with this decision, we have seen the number of abortions occurring in the United States growing each year.

According to the Planned Parenthood 2016-2017 annual report, abortions made up 96 percent of the organization's pregnancy resolution services, whereas prenatal services dropped significantly.

Additionally, Planned Parenthood has performed more than 1.6 million abortions over the past five years.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we celebrate the sanctity of life by encouraging and supporting pro-life legislation.

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which I am a proud cosponsor of, affirmatively states that if a baby is born after a failed abortion attempt, doctors must exercise the same degree of medical care on that child as a baby born on any other day.

If doctors refuse to do so, they will be held criminally accountable for their inactions.

As a proud West Tennessean, I believe that we must give a voice to the unborn and preserve the life and health of all children.