Fight to protect abortion survivors moves back to Senate

The House of Representatives passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act on Thursday afternoon in a 217-204 vote with one member who voted present. The bill now will bounce back to the Senate, where a companion bill stuck earlier this week.

The legislation would protect children born during an attempted abortion, stipulating that those children must receive immediate medical attention to prevent death. A conscious violation of the law would result in a fine, up to five years of imprisonment, or both.

The bill stands little chance of making it past the Senate where Republicans hold a majority but lack the needed 60 votes needed to push it over a filibuster. On Wednesday, its passage failed on that side of the Capitol in a 52-47 vote. Republican leadership brought the bill to the floor anyway while stressing the importance of the legislation.

What’s the broader political scene? The bill comes amid the first few days of Donald Trump’s second presidency—and amid speculation about what, if anything, he’s willing to sign to protect life in the womb. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly said that he did not intend to sign a federal law restricting abortion, instead letting states craft their own laws or policies. That position of his disappointed many in the pro-life camp and some questioned whether abortion would continue to be a central focus for the Republican party.

Notably, the Republican National Convention earlier this year changed its party platform to reflect Trump’s stance, disappointing other national pro-life figures like former Vice President Mike Pence. While larger questions loom about the GOP’s direction, House Republicans believe it’s more important than ever to double down on keeping life in the spotlight.

Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., the bill’s sponsor, said that too many babies are denied the medical care they need.

“Congress has a clear role to play when it comes to protecting newborn infants, babies who have been delivered alive and are experiencing their first moments in the world,” she said in a speech on the House floor. “All children should be welcomed with joy and wonder, no matter the circumstances of their birth.”

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report from the 2024 RNC convention about what, exactly, changed in the Republican national platform.