Pro-Life Ban Likely to Pass

But who would it benefit?
Oct 26, 2003 10:57 PM EST

Washington D.C. – With the approval of a ban on partial-birth in clutch, pro-life activists express mixed opinions on its possible ramifications.



The measure for the bill to ban partial-birth abortions, which cleared the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month, is awaiting approval from President Bush.



According to the American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm specializing in constitutional law, bill is more than likely to be approved.



"This national ban on partial-birth abortion is well crafted and legally sound and we're confident that it will survive a constitutional challenge," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.



“After President Bush signs this measure into law, we will work aggressively to see that this ban clears the legal challenges and survives the constitutional attacks that will follow. It's clear that both Congress and most Americans want to see this gruesome procedure outlawed. We're poised to defend this critical measure as it makes its way through our judicial system - a challenge that will ultimately end up before the Supreme Court."



However, the founder of another pro-life group, Operation Rescue, is unsure of whether the bill is a victory.



While the “major benefit of this bill is the debate that surrounds it,” said Randy Terry. “This bill, if it becomes law, may not save one child's life.”



According to Randy, the bill may be a political scam pulled by leaders to whet, but not satisfy the appetites of pro-life activists.



“The bill also provides political cover in an election season to cowardly 'pro-life' political leaders who have done little for the pro-life cause,” Terry warned. “Worse yet, this bill would provide political cover for supporters of Roe-v-Wade within both parties, especially the Republican Party whose constituents are pro-life.



Nonetheless, Sekulow said this bill was the best option to “get something through Congress that would be a pro-life victory.”