The debate surrounding the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act continues, with abortion survivors and pro-life advocates pushing for its passage while facing opposition from Senate Democrats. The act mandates that healthcare providers offer life-sustaining care to infants born alive after attempted abortions, a measure proponents argue is a basic human right.

Melissa Ohden, founder of the Abortion Survivors Network, and Priscilla Hurley, another abortion survivor, have voiced their disappointment over the Democrats' rejection of the bill. They emphasize that this is not a political game but a matter of human rights, asserting that infants born alive deserve the same medical care as any other newborn.

Ohden, who survived a saline infusion abortion attempt in 1977, has consistently supported the Born-Alive Act. She expressed disgust at Senator Chuck Schumer's recent social media post dismissing Republican claims about the bill's importance. She found his remarks disrespectful and dehumanizing to abortion survivors, feeling it reflects a desire to silence their voices and perpetuate shame.

While a 2002 federal law grants equal protection to infants surviving abortions, the Charles Lozier Institute notes it lacks enforcement mechanisms and specific care requirements. The Born-Alive Act addresses this gap by imposing criminal penalties on healthcare practitioners who fail to provide necessary care or report instances of neglect. Democrats, however, argue the bill is redundant, potentially endangering women seeking late-term abortions due to medical emergencies.

Hurley believes that the focus should be on human rights, not political maneuvering or protecting doctors. She hopes for increased understanding and dialogue on the issue. Ohden highlights the lack of awareness about abortion survivors, citing her network's 900+ members and a recent study indicating a significant number of live births after second-trimester abortions. She believes the true number of survivors is likely much higher, especially with the rise of chemical abortions.

Both Ohden and Hurley consider the Born-Alive Act common-sense legislation, ensuring that babies surviving abortions receive the same medical attention as any other infant born at the same gestational age. The House recently passed its version of the bill, with almost unanimous Democratic opposition. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) celebrated its passage, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect the most vulnerable and uphold the sanctity of life. Senator Schumer's office has not responded to requests for comment.