Congressman Mike Simpson demands a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined Republican House Members and signed a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 619, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

“When a child survives a failed abortion attempt, that baby must be afforded human dignity and his or her natural right to life,” said Simpson.  “Abortion survivors are human beings and deserve the same rights and protections as any other American citizen.”

First introduced by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO), H.R. 619 would require health care providers to treat babies born after a failed abortion the same as any other baby born after the same gestational age, and would create criminal penalties for failing to do so.  Currently, federal and many state laws do not provide adequate protection for born-alive abortion survivors. 

Failing to provide health care for infants who are born alive should not be a partisan issue, but Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Congressional Democrats have repeatedly blocked H.R. 619 from floor consideration. 

“While I am not surprised, I am deeply disappointed by Democrats’ continuous efforts to block legislation that would protect human life,” said Simpson.  “I am proud to sign the discharge petition to bring H.R. 619 to the floor of the House and urge all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting life.”

Under the rules of the House of Representatives, a discharge petition allows a bill to come to the floor of the House even if it is not reported by the committee of jurisdiction or scheduled by leadership.  A majority of House Members must sign the petition for it to take effect.  At time of press, at least 200 members have signed the discharge petition for H.R. 619.

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