Lawmakers ask Trump to veto legislation that would weaken pro-life policy

Over 200 pro-life representatives and senators have sent two companion letters to President Donald Trump requesting that he reject any legislation that would weaken federal pro-life policy already in place. On Tuesday, 169 Members of Congress led by Chris Smith (R-NJ) and 49 Senators led by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) signed the letters (here and here) vowing to vote to support any of the President’s vetoes to protect life.

“We respectfully urge you to publicly commit to veto any appropriations bill that weakens any existing pro-life protections on taxpayer funding or any other bill that would weaken federal policy on abortion,” Members of Congress wrote. “We will vote to sustain your veto.”

The letters each praised the Trump Administration for its commitment to pro-life policies since Trump took office two years ago. They made note that the Trump Administration is becoming the most pro-life in United States history.

READ: Trump administration to fund ethical, pro-life alternatives to fetal tissue research

“[…] We applaud your fight to ensure the conscience rights of healthcare professionals are protected, prevent taxpayer funding under Title X from going to facilities to perform or refer for abortion, and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding foreign abortion providers overseas through your Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance program,” the Senators wrote.

Members of Congress stated that protections which have long been in place, such as the Hyde Amendment, which prevents direct taxpayer funding of abortion, and the Weldon Amendment, which protects health care providers from discrimination because they refuse to participate in abortion, “should be retained – even strengthened.”

“We ask President Donald Trump to continue his work in defense of life,” said Smith in a press release. “My colleagues and I are also committed to protecting both unborn children and their mothers from the violence of abortion.”

Both President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush signed pro-life commitment letters during their time in office, and George H.W. Bush followed through, issuing three pro-life vetoes. Pro-lifers want the same commitment from Trump.

“We will not allow hard fought protections for the unborn to be undone,” said Daines.