When I awoke this morning, I was surprised to learn that the U.S. House of Representatives actually passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36). Given their previous record, I didn't think they had it in them:
Republicans finally won House approval Wednesday for a late-term abortion ban after dropping rape provisions that provoked a rebellion by female GOP lawmakers, forcing party leaders into an embarrassing retreat.
The near party-line 242-184 vote was a victory for abortion opponents and a relief for top Republicans. Yet the path to passage took months of negotiations among anti-abortion groups, female lawmakers and party leaders, underscoring how tough it will be for the GOP to satisfy abortion foes while retaining support from women voters for next year's elections.House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, called the bill "the most pro-life legislation to ever come before this body," adding, "We should all be proud to take this stand today" [more].
The passage of this important legislation is certainly a cause for joy, but there is also much work to be done to ensure a version of this legislation will also be called to a vote - and passed - in the Senate. It would not be a bad idea to contact your senators now to urge them not only to approve the legislation, but to call for a swift vote upon it.
If the legislation passes the Senate, President Barack Obama's advisers have expected already said they "recommend he veto this bill." Remember, it was the president himself who said during his campaign that if his daughters make a "mistake," he doesn't want them "punished with a baby."
Passing legislation to protect the unborn and their mothers is good and necessary, but even more necessary is the conversion of hearts to the Gospel of Life that makes the passage of such legislation possible.
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