Lynchburg Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) introduced the Life Act, a bill aimed at outlawing abortion at the federal level. The legislation proposes making it a federal crime for licensed medical professionals who accept federal funds to perform or prescribe an abortion after fertilization.

In light of the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, Good emphasized that Congress should continue efforts to protect life federally. He noted that the Supreme Court's decision returned the issue "to the people and their elected representatives," rather than solely to state governments.

“There are 63 million fewer Americans alive today because of Roe v. Wade. Even after this horrific ruling was overturned, abortion remains the leading killer in America. It has prematurely ended the life of countless doctors, teachers, pastors, and engineers,” said Good. “Thankfully, the Dobbs decision did overturn Roe, finding there is not a Constitutional right to abortion and returning the regulation of abortion to the people's representatives. In a post-Roe America, Congress must legislate to protect life.”

The Life Act builds on previous pro-life initiatives supported by House Republicans during the 117th Congress, including H.R. 1011 (Rep. Mooney, R-WV) and Discharge Petition #16 (Rep. Good, R-VA). The bill aims to provide stronger enforcement mechanisms for pro-life laws while protecting health care providers acting in good faith to save a woman’s life.

The legislation includes provisions ensuring that ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and stillbirths can be appropriately treated without penalizing health care providers operating under these circumstances. It also protects:

- A mother whose life is endangered by physical illness;

- A woman’s ability to access contraception used prior to fertilization; and

- A mother from being prosecuted for her child's death while granting civil remedies in certain situations.

Providers accepting federal funds would be prohibited from performing abortions under Medicaid, CHIP, Indian Health Service programs, Veterans Health Administration services, TRICARE plans, and Title X funding programs. Additionally, federally regulated health plans—including those under ERISA regulations—would be barred from covering abortions.

“Students for Life Action is a proud supporter of the Life Act," stated Students for Life Action in support of Good's bill. "We are so proud to have worked with Rep. Good (R-VA) on this piece of strong pro-life legislation."

Janae Stracke from Heritage Action also expressed support: “We all have a duty to protect the unborn... Children at every stage of life are relying on lawmakers... Heritage Action commends Rep. Bob Good for introducing the Life Act.”

Penny Nance from Concerned Women for America added: "Congress has a duty to protect that right [to life] for every American... We commend Rep. Good and his colleagues for their efforts."

Co-sponsors include Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT). Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Heritage Action, Concerned Women for America among others.

Read more at The Daily Signal.

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