Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy’s description of an abortion procedure during a Senate hearing prompted criticism from a witness who labeled his portrayal as purely “fearmongering.”
IVF Access
The Senate delved into reproductive health matters on Wednesday, with Republicans thwarting an attempt to safeguard access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the Budget Committee deliberating on whether restrictions on reproductive rights affected the economy.
Democrat Bill Block
Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith blocked an effort by Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., to expedite a bill to safeguard access to IVF.
Alabama Supreme Court Ruling
The block came in response to an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos used in IVF as unborn children under the state constitution’s personhood rights.
Poison Pills
Hyde-Smith, who previously opposed an earlier version of Duckworth’s bill in 2022, reiterated her opposition to its passage, describing it as a “vast overreach that is full of poison pills that go way too far.”
House Legislation
Last month, House Republicans also united to approve legislation aimed at reducing funding restrictions for pregnancy centers that oppose abortion.
Grants Eligibility
This action was prompted by their concerns regarding a proposed rule from the Biden administration, which sought to narrow the eligibility for grants under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Challenge to “Reproductive Justice”
During the hearing, Kennedy challenged the focus led by Democrat Senator Chair Sheldon Whitehouse on how “reproductive justice” could enhance “economic justice.”
Economic Opportunity
Whitehouse stated, “Any serious conversation about debt and deficits must also analyze threats to economic growth and stability. Reproductive rights are intrinsically tied to economic opportunity.”
Deprived of Justice
In response, Kennedy asserted that an aborted fetus would be deprived of justice and subjected to significant pain. He referenced an illustration of a 21-week-old fetus and provided a detailed description of a dilation and evacuation procedure.
“Tearing The Baby Apart”
He described how doctors utilize a pair of pliers with sharp teeth on the end to begin “tearing the baby apart.”
Abortion Procedure
Whitehouse eventually interrupted him, who stated that Kennedy had exceeded his allotted time. Kennedy expressed regret to Whitehouse, noting that he was sorry he couldn’t continue sharing details about an actual abortion procedure.
Witness Rebuke
Allie Phillips, a mother and activist, countered Kennedy’s graphic depiction, accusing him of inciting fear.
“Nothing but Fearmongering”
Phillips remarked, “Senator Kennedy came to this hearing knowing that there was going to be a mother here who had to make the difficult decision to terminate a 20-week pregnancy, and he decided it was in his best interest to show a 21-week fetus. And his testimony was nothing but fearmongering.”
Phillips’ Personal Story
Phillips shared her ordeal of discovering her unborn daughter’s severe health issues, including an absence of amniotic fluid and nonfunctioning organs.
Travel for Abortion
Phillips resides in Tennessee, where abortion is prohibited. Faced with the choice between terminating the pregnancy or risking her life by continuing it, she opted to travel to New York City, where she underwent an abortion at 20 weeks.
Respecting individuals Choice
Michigan Democrat Senator Debbie Stabenow apologized to Phillips for Kennedy’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual pregnancy decisions without judgment.
Call for Legislative Change
Phillips urged the committee to advocate and pass a law that would give people unrestricted abortion access.
Politics Shouldn’t Influence Healthcare
She said, “I would like to ask the committee to remember my story. To remember that I’m one of thousands, if not millions, of people in this country who need or need abortion access, and to remember that it’s not black and white and one size does not fit all. We can’t be putting politics into health care decisions.”
First Hearing
The hearing marked the committee’s first exploration into the economic ramifications of abortion constraints. It’s part of a broader trend among congressional panels, which are delving into the abortion discourse more frequently.
A Debate for November Elections
This trend seems to be escalating as Democrats increasingly prioritize reproductive rights as a pivotal issue leading up to the November elections, while Republicans are increasingly emphasizing federal messaging on pregnancy-related resources.
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