This year marks the 48^th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Each January, tens of thousands of Americans from across the country gather in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the right to life and have their voices heard as they encourage Congress and government leaders to do everything in their power to protect the unborn. This year’s celebration of life happened last Friday, and while it could not take place in person, there was no shortage of participation or enthusiasm for this incredibly important cause. 

As a father, grandfather and Christian, I have always been a strong believer in the sanctity of life. As a member of Congress, I am fortunate to be in a position to do something about it. Throughout my time in office, I have supported countless bills to end abortion and the terrible practices associated with it. Just last week, I introduced the Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act which ensures taxpayer funded research will never support the horrific practice of trafficking infant body parts for profit and the endangerment of human life. This legislation prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who authorizes National Institutes of Health research, from conducting or supporting any research involving human fetal tissue that is obtained through an induced abortion. It seems almost unbelievable that the deeply disturbing practice of selling baby body parts is taking place in modern day America, but I will continue to do everything in my power to put an end to it. 

Over the last several years, Missouri has become a national leader in the pro-life movement, having the second lowest abortion rate in the country according to the CDC. Our state is home to a substantial and effective pro-life community and thanks to their persistence, we are getting closer and closer to becoming the first abortion-free state in the nation. As we continue to make progress in eliminating abortions, Missouri has also made support for expectant mothers a priority. Sadly, some women do find themselves in a position where they feel that abortion is their only option, but through programs like the MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and the Show-Me Healthy Babies programs, our state is providing assistance and resources to ensure they and their children are supported before and after birth. 

The last four years were some of the most significant for the pro-life movement in our nation’s history. The most lasting impact comes from President Trump transformation of our nation’s courts, having appointed a record number of conservative pro-life judges and three Supreme Court Justices. He signed an executive order to ensure medical care for all infants who are born alive, including newborns who were born in the case of a failed abortion. It seems unfathomable that a law would have to be passed for this to be the case, but I am grateful that President Trump fought to protect all babies, regardless of circumstance. And finally, taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood was cut by $60 million. 

Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s stance on abortion and the right to life differs greatly from my own and the next four years will be a much more uphill battle in the fight for the unborn. Be that as it may, my fellow pro-life colleagues and I stand at the ready to continue to do everything in our power in Congress to protect the sanctity of life and continue to give a voice to the voiceless.