A newly proposed bill could impose a nationwide abortion ban if passed in the US.
With Donald Trump back in The White House, American politics is experiencing significant changes.
Now, Republican Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri has introduced a new bill that, if approved, would have major consequences for healthcare across the country.
The Life at Conception Act seeks to define unborn children as “persons” under the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, ensuring that their “right to life is legally recognized and protected,” as outlined in the legislation.
Announcing the bill on Facebook, Congressman Burlison stated: “I am proud to introduce the Life at Conception Act, which reaffirms the original intent of the 14th Amendment by declaring that the term ‘person’ includes all human beings from the moment of conception. It is a scientific fact that life begins at conception.”
In an official press release, Burlison elaborated: “Every life is a sacred gift from God, deserving of dignity and protection from the moment of conception. The Life at Conception Act uses Congress’ constitutional authority to define personhood, fulfilling our moral and legal obligation to safeguard the lives of the unborn.”
According to the press release, the amendment states: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
Burlison reaffirmed his stance, saying: “I am strongly pro-life and will always fight to protect the lives of the unborn. My record is clear—both in Missouri and Washington, D.C., I have consistently voted to protect the life of the child and the health of the mother. I will continue to do so moving forward.”
As efforts to advance the bill continue, an abortion ban could have widespread effects on the healthcare system.
Restrictions on abortion have been linked to delays in medical care for women experiencing miscarriages and an increase in complications in high-risk pregnancies.
Research also suggests that banning abortion can negatively affect the overall quality of healthcare, impacting not just women but men as well.
For the bill to pass, it must secure a majority in the House of Representatives (218 out of 435 votes) before proceeding to the Senate, where it would require at least 51 votes to be enacted.
