Senator Lankford Introduces Pro-Life Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act, which would prohibit the procedure of late-term dismemberment abortion across America. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, has sponsored the legislation in the house (HR 3515). 

“There are many important national issues to address in Washington, DC, including our budget, education, energy and national security. But we must also work for social justice for all Americans. Among our most basic rights in America are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The pro-life community cannot relent in our fight to protect pre-born life,” said Lankford. “We disagree on many issues as a nation, including the issue of abortion. However, because of technological advancements, we clearly know that pre-born children feel pain. Surely we can all agree that dismantling a child in the womb during a late-term abortion is inhumane and is not reflective of American values.”

In January, Lankford was presented with the inaugural Pro-Life Leader Award during the Evangelicals for Life conference in Washington, DC. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and Focus on the Family hosted the conference in conjunction with the Washington, DC March for Life event, an annual pro-life march on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. 

Lankford is a Member of the Senate Values Action Team, which serves as a liaison to organizations that are dedicated to advancing pro-life policies. Last year, Lankford introduced the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which ensures organizations, private businesses, institutions of higher education, health care providers, and insurance companies are not forced to sponsor insurance coverage that violates their religious or moral beliefs. The House passed this bill in July, but it awaits action in the Senate. 

Lankford delivered a passionate speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate about Planned Parenthood last July. Lankford also co-sponsored the Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act, a bill to prohibit abortions past five months, and also introduced legislation to redirect taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood to Community Health Centers. 

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