By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Beneath a quote which reads, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,” the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tuesday testified to the truth that people with disabilities should be protected.
By an overwhelming vote of 117-76, the PA House chose to ban the abortion of unborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome. The landmark disability rights legislation now moves to the PA Senate for consideration.
The stunning victory for children with special needs is a colossal defeat for the abortion giant Planned Parenthood, which lobbied vigorously against the common sense bill.
A similar bill passed the PA House last year, but stalled in the Senate as a result of election year politics. Hopes are high that the 2019 version of the Down Syndrome Protection Act will have a brighter future this time around.
A group of passionately pro-life female legislators led the push for the bill. As the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Kate Klunk (R—York County) stated, it’s up to the legislature to “stand up for those who do not have a voice.”
Her colleague, Rep. Tina Pickett (R—Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna Counties), added “Every child, unborn or born, has magnificent value.”
Echoed Rep. Dawn Keefer (R—York, Cumberland Counties), “All lives are valuable.”
One of the most touching stories during floor debate came from Rep. Russ Diamond (R—Lebanon County), who spoke of his aunt, who had intellectual disabilities. His beloved relative died at the age of 82 and, according to Diamond, “She taught us the meaning of pure joy.”