¶ Ben Sase on Abortion
¶ Sasse Opposed Roe v. Wade
¶ SASSE CELEBRATED THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V WADE
Sasse Said “Today – By Righting A Constitutional Wrong – The Supreme Court Took A Historic Step Forward.” According to a press release form Sen. Sasse, “U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and an out-spoken pro-life advocate, issued the following statement on the Dobbs v. Jackson SCOTUS decision. ‘America’s work of becoming a more perfect Union is never over, but today – by righting a Constitutional wrong – the Supreme Court took a historic step forward. Roe’s days are over, but the pro-life movement’s work has just begun. This issue will now be debated in the 50 states, and a 330,000,000-person, continental nation will work through this debate in a way that’s healthier than Roe’s one-size-fits-all, Washington-centrism. The pro-life movement is pro-baby, pro-mom, and pro-science. This cause is rooted in love and now is the time to show it. We can’t call this legal victory the end, because our movement has never been primarily about lawsuits and laws – it’s about love and compassion. So let’s celebrate today’s victory and get to work. Let’s support and love all pregnant women. Let’s come alongside them and give the support they need. Let’s support babies regardless of the situations they face and build communities around them that will love and cherish them.’” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 6/24/22]
¶ SASSE URGED THE SUPREME COURT TO “RECONSIDER” ROE V. WADE IN AN AMICUS BRIEF
Sasse Signed An Amicus Brief For June Medical Services v. Gee. According to a press release from Rep. Scalise, “House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) led 207 Members of Congress today in filing an amicus brief to stand up for Louisiana’s pro-life law before the U.S. Supreme Court that would require all abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals when emergencies arise.[…] June Medical Services, an abortion provider in Louisiana, filed suit against the constitutionality of a Louisiana law requiring all physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges within 30 miles of their abortion facility. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Louisiana’s law, and now Americans United for Life, with the support of Members in Congress, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold this decision. Louisiana also filed a cross-petition challenging the ability of June Medical to seek the invalidation of health and safety regulations meant to protect Louisiana citizens from the very abortionists challenging the law. […] Ben Sasse (R-Neb.)” [Press Release-Rep. Scalise, 1/2/20]
- The Amicus Brief For June Medical Services v. Gee Called For The Court To “Reconsider” Roe v. Wade And Planned Parenthood v. Casey. According to Roll Call, “200 lawmakers, mostly Republicans, filed an amicus brief Thursday urging the Supreme Court to upend the precedents set by two landmark abortion rights cases, elevating abortion as a campaign issue ahead of this fall’s elections. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on March 4 in June Medical Services v. Gee, a case over a 2014 Louisiana law that requires physicians who offer abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital within 30 miles.. […] The brief goes further than Louisiana’s own brief to the court. The lawmakers urged the high court to not only reinstate the Louisiana law but also reconsider two major Supreme Court abortion rights decisions — the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that found that abortion is legal and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision that upheld abortion but found some state restrictions could be allowed if they are not an undue burden for women seeking abortions.” [Roll Call, 1/2/20]
¶ SASSE SIGNED AN AMICUS BRIEF THAT DIRECTLY CHALLENGED ROE V. WADE
Sasse Signed An Amicus Brief For Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Which Called For The Supreme Court To Overturn Roe v. Wade. According to a press release from Sen. Moran, “U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today joined his colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization urging the court to uphold Mississippi’s law to protect unborn babies after 15 weeks of pregnancy. ‘The Supreme Court has the opportunity to faithfully interpret the Constitution and overturn a deadly precedent,’ said Sen. Moran. ‘Mississippi’s bold stance to protect the lives of unborn children directly challenges the basis of Roe v. Wade, and I joined this brief to stand with them and the vulnerable unborn who cannot defend themselves.’ […] Ben Sasse (R-Neb.).” [Press Release-Sen. Moran, 7/30/21]
¶ SASSE COMMENORATED THE ANNIVERSARY OF ROE CLAIMING THAT “PRO-LIFERS ARE GOING TO WIN”
Sasse Said On The Anniversary Of Roe v. Wade “Pro-Lifers Are Going To Win Because Love Is Stronger Than Power.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Today, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. ‘Pro-lifers are going to win because love is stronger than power. There are important legislative battles ahead and I'm proud to lead some of those fights here in the Senate, but let's never forget that the strength of our pro-life movement isn't in legislative muscle. We don't have Big Abortion's powerful lobbyists or slick PR shops. We have the truth. Our strength comes from love, compassion, and dignity. Being pro-life means protecting babies, supporting moms, and working to build a more loving society. We're winning because we're pro-baby, pro-mom, and pro-science.’” [Press Release- Sasse, 1/22/21]
¶ SASSE VOTED AGAINST CODIFYING ROE V. WADE
Sasse Voted Against A Cloture Motion For The Women’s Health Protection Act Of 2022. According to Untied States Senate, On “May 11 2022” Sasse Voted “Nay” On On “On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Motion to Proceed to S. 4132 )” [United States Senate, Accessed 6/23/22]
- S.4132 Was The Women’s Health Protection Act Of 2022. According to Congress.gov, S.4132’s Full Title Was “S.4132 - Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Women’s Health Protection Act Of 2022 Codified Roe V Wade Into Federal Law. According to NPR, “As a leaked draft opinion of a Supreme Court ruling shows a conservative majority of justices appear poised to overturn federal protections of abortion rights, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday the Senate will hold a procedural vote to begin debate on the Women's Health Protection Act next week. WHPA is a bill that aims to codify Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that grants protections for a woman's right to abortion, at the federal level. The bill prohibits governmental restrictions on access to abortion services, according to the Congressional Research Service.” [NPR, 5/7/22]
¶ Sasse Attacked The Women’s Health Protection Act And Democrats' Support Of Abortion
Sasse Admonished What He Considered Provisions In The Women’s Health Protection Act That Would Require Catholic Hospitals To Provide Abortions. According to US News, “Republicans decried the bill as a radical step that would go much further than what Roe guarantees. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said it would have been morally reprehensible to require providers, such as Catholic hospitals, to perform abortions as the bill would have done.” [US News, 5/11/22]
Sasse Claimed “Any Honest Conversation About Abortion Must Grapple With The Fact That Every Abortion Begins With Two Lives And Destroys One Of Them.” According to US News, “‘Any honest conversation about abortion must grapple with the fact that every abortion begins with two lives and destroys one of them,’ Sasse said on the Senate floor before the vote. ‘It’s deeply wrong to ask Americans to participate in an act that takes an innocent life.’” [US News, 5/11/22]
Sasse Accused Abortion Rights Advocates Of “Fear-Mongering.” According to the National Review, “‘Advocates for abortion on demand are doing a lot of fear-mongering. We’ve heard some bizarre speeches on the floor in the last couple days that are so disconnected from the reality of the text of the legislation that’s before us,’ Sasse said.” [National Review, 5/11/22]
Sasse Said The Women’s Health Protection Act Was “Wildly Out Of Touch With Modern Science.” According to the National Review, “‘Advocates for abortion on demand are doing a lot of fear-mongering. We’ve heard some bizarre speeches on the floor in the last couple days that are so disconnected from the reality of the text of the legislation that’s before us,’ Sasse said. ‘So much of what they’re pushing is wildly out of touch with the public and wildly out of touch with modern science.’” [National Review, 5/11/22]
Sasse Claimed Democrats Support Abortion At Any Point Of Pregnancy. According to the National Review, ‘Democrats have abandoned the ‘safe, legal, and rare’ platform, Sasse said, substituting it for abortion on demand across the entire fetal gestation period. ‘This is not your mom’s Democratic Party,’ he noted.” [National Review, 5/11/22]
¶ SASSE HAS DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS “PRO-LIFE”
Sasse Signed A Letter Identifying Himself As Part “Of The Pro-Life Majority In The United States Senate.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “As members of the pro-life majority in the United States Senate, we will join you in rejecting any ‘poison pills, additional new riders… or other changes in policy or conventions that allow for higher spending levels, or any non-appropriations measures’ that would undermine Federal pro-life policy in violation of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ Sasse Opposed Policies To Protect And Expand Abortion Rights
¶ SASSE OPPOSED RIDERS THAT WOULD PROTECT AND EXPAND ABORTION RIGHTS
Sasse Urged Trump To Reject Policies Passed By The Democrat-Controlled House That Would Protect And Expand Abortion Rights. According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), and their colleagues in the pro-life majority sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to reject pro-abortion policies in bills passed by Speaker Pelosi’s Democratic majority in the House.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
- Sasse Called Riders On Abortion Rights “Poison Pills” And “Totally Inappropriate.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “‘Our pro-life work is pro-baby, pro-woman, and pro-science,’ Senator Sasse said separately. ’Nancy Pelosi is trying to jam an extreme pro-abortion agenda into appropriations bills. These poison pills are totally inappropriate, and you can bet that I’m going to work alongside the President to stop this.’” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ SASSE OPPOSED A HOUSE-PASSED RIDER TO ALLOW D.C. TO USE LOCAL FUNDS TO PAY FOR ABORTION CARE
Sasse Opposed A Rider That Allowed The District Of Columbia To Fund Abortions Using Local Funds. According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: · Undermine the longstanding Dornan Amendment by allowing the District of Columbia to fund elective abortions using local funds.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
- Rewire: The Dornan Amendment, Which Was At Issue In The Rider, “Prevents D.C. From Using Its Locally Raised Medicaid Dollars To Pay For Abortion Care.” According to Rewire, “Take, for example, the Dornan Amendment, which was introduced in 1989 and prevents D.C. from using its locally raised Medicaid dollars to pay for abortion care. This means that people often have to delay care in order to finance it—needing to make difficult financial decisions along the way, like borrowing money, taking out loans, or making a choice between paying for their abortion and their bills.” [Rewire, 9/26/19]
¶ SASSE OPPOSED LANGUAGE TO SPENDING BILLS TO PROTECT AND EXPAND INTERNATIONAL ACCESS TO ABORTION CARE
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Earmarked “Increased Funding For The United Nations Population Fund.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Earmark increased funding for the United Nations Population Fund.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
- The UNFPA Was The UN Agency Responsible For Family Planning And Ending Deaths In Childbirth And Provided Reproductive Healthcare To 12.5 Million Women In Over 46 Countries. According to the Guardian, “The UNFPA, the UN agency responsible for family planning and ending deaths in childbirth in more than 150 countries, said the claim it has any links to forcing women into abortions is not true.[…] The organization is the world’s largest provider of contraceptives. It provides reproductive health services to 12.5 million women in more than 46 countries.” [Guardian, 4/4/17]
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Earmarked “Increased Funding For International Family Planning/Reproductive Health Programs.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Earmark increased funding for international family planning/reproductive health programs.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ Sasse Objected To Efforts To Undo Trump’s Global Gag Rule
Sasse Objected To A Rider To “Block The Expanded Mexico City Policy.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Block the expanded Mexico City Policy (82 Fed. Reg. 8495), also known as Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance, and permanently bar future administrations from reinstating it.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
- Critics Argued That The Expanded Mexico City Policy Would Significantly Cut Aid To Groups Combatting Public Health Crises. According to the Guardian, “Critics feared the broader policy could significantly cut aid to groups combating the types of infectious diseases that have plagued poorer countries. ‘There is no indication that the Trump administration has conducted any assessment of the impact of the expanded global gag rule,’ said Serra Sippel, the president of the Center for Health and Gender Equity. ‘For example, how will this expansion impact prevention of the spread of HIV or Zika, especially given the role of contraceptives in prevention efforts?’” [The Guardian, 5/15/17]
- Human Rights Watch: The Expanded 2017 Gag Rule Triggered Reductions In Sexual And Reproductive Health Services From Well-Established Organizations. According to Human Rights Watch, “Human Rights Watch found the policy has triggered reductions in key sexual and reproductive health services from well-established organizations that cannot easily be replaced. For example, Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) runs 16 healthcare facilities in the country. FHOK representatives told us the organization will not comply with the restrictions and therefore will lose US funds, which make up roughly 60 percent of its budget, and that it may have to cut as many as half of its services. By July 2017, the organization had already closed one clinic and canceled 100 planned outreach events, including for cervical cancer screening, HIV testing, and family planning counseling, that typically reach 100 people each time. Another organization, Reproductive Healthcare Network Kenya has lost about two-thirds of its funding and has canceled many activities, including trainings on safe abortion care for doctors and other healthcare providers. Reproductive Health Uganda, which serves 1.2 million people a year, is ending large health programs previously paid for by the US government. [Human Rights Watch, 2/14/18]
¶ The Rule Expanded To Ban Aid To Foreign Groups That Support Other Foreign Groups That Promote Or Provide Abortions
The Global Gag Rule Expanded To Ban Aid To Foreign Groups That Support Other Foreign Groups That Promote Or Provide Abortions. According to NBC News, “The Trump administration is expanding a ban on U.S. aid to foreign groups that promote or provide abortions to include those who support others who do, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Tuesday. ‘We will enforce a strict prohibition on back-door funding schemes and end runs around our policy,’ Pompeo said. ‘American taxpayer dollars will not be used to underwrite abortions’ […] Pompeo said the ban will now extend to those foreign NGOs that provide financial support to other groups who provide abortion services or counseling.” [NBC News, 3/26/19]
The New Terms Of The Global Gag Rule Applied To $8.8. Billion In Foreign Aid. According to the Guardian, “The Trump administration on Monday significantly expanded a Reagan-era policy banning foreign aid to international healthcare providers who discuss abortion or advocate for abortion rights, in a move critics fear will jeopardize efforts to fight diseases such as malaria, HIV/Aids, and the Zika virus. The new terms of the ban will apply to $8.8bn in existing foreign aid provided by the state department, USAid, and the Department of Defense – dwarfing the $600m in programming that fell under the ban during previous administrations.” [The Guardian, 5/15/17]
¶ The Global Gag Rule Included A Majority Of U.S. Bilateral Global Health Assistance
The Global Gag Rule Included A Majority Of U.S. Bilateral Global Health Assistance, Marking A Significant Expansion Of Its Scope. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The Trump administration’s application of the policy to the vast majority of U.S. bilateral global health assistance, including funding for HIV under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), maternal and child health, malaria, nutrition, and other programs, marks a significant expansion of its scope, potentially encompassing $7.4 billion in FY 2019, to the extent that such funding is ultimately provided to foreign NGOs, directly or indirectly (family planning assistance accounted for approximately $600 million of that total).” [Kaiser Family Foundation, 8/15/19]
¶ Sasse Admonished Biden For Undoing Trump’s Global Gag Rule
Biden Announced He Would Rescind The Mexico City Policy Which Prevents Foreign NGO That Receive U.S. Funding From Providing Information About Abortions Or From Lobbying For Governments To Legalize Abortions. According to the Washington Post, “President Biden rescinded the so-called Mexico City Policy on Thursday. Nicknamed the ‘global gag rule,’ this policy prohibits foreign nongovernmental organizations that receive U.S. funding from providing information about abortion as a method of family planning, or from lobbying a foreign government to legalize abortion.” [Washington Post, 1/29/21]
Sasse: “Our Government Shouldn’t Be Funding Abortions At Home, Let Alone Overseas.” According to the Daily Caller, “In a presidential memorandum released Thursday, the new president announced that he will ‘immediately’ rescind the so-called Mexico City Policy which restricts federal funds from going to foreign abortion programs. ‘These pro-abortion executive orders from President Biden shock the conscience. Our government shouldn’t be funding abortions at home, let alone overseas,’ Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse said in a statement. ‘Unity is important at times like these, but waging a culture war is only going to deepen divides and hurt innocent victims.’ ‘Human dignity matters,’ Sasse said. ‘President Biden should rethink this move.’” [Daily Caller, 1/28/21]
¶ SASSE OBJECTED TO LEGISLATIVE LANGUAGE TO BLOCK TRUMP’S TITLE X RULE
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Blocked “The Title X Protect Life Rule […] While Increasing Title X Funding.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Block the Title X Protect Life Rule (84 Fed. Reg. 7714) while increasing Title X funding.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ The Trump Administration Implemented A Title X Gag Rule
July 16, 2019: The Trump Administration Began Enforcing Abortion "Gag Rule." According to Politico, “The Trump administration's decision to immediately bar family planning funds to groups, like Planned Parenthood, that perform or refer women for abortion could force some states and organizations to abandon the federal program that pays for contraception for low-income women. The administration said it will move forward with its new family planning overhaul, which critics deride as an abortion ‘gag rule,’ as it faces ongoing legal challenges from nearly two dozen states and organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the largest single recipient of funding in the program, known as Title X.” [Politico, 7/16/19]
¶ Title X Was The Nation’s Public Family Planning Program
Title X Was The Nation’s Public Family Planning Program That Provided Birth Control Services, STI Testing, And Treatment. According to the Guttmacher Institute, “Title X is the nation’s public family planning program, serving millions of patients who seek birth control services, STI testing and treatment, and related preventive care. The program was established as part of the Public Health Service Act in 1970 with the express intent of addressing inequities in access to contraceptives and related services, helping patients advance their right to exercise power over their own reproductive decisions. For half a century, Title X has funded a long-standing and trusted network of providers throughout the country, providing these critical services to patients who are low income, uninsured, young or otherwise underserved.” [Guttmacher Institute, 2/5/20]
¶ The Gag Rule Stated That Title X Grant Funding Cannot Go To Clinicians That Discuss Abortion With Patients-Even If Those Patients Ask
The Rule State That Title X Grant Funding Cannot Go To Clinicians That Discuss Abortion With Patients. According to Planned Parenthood Action, “The gag rule says Title X grants can’t go to clinicians who tell their patients how they can safely and legally access abortion (even if patients ask and even if a pregnancy threatens their health). The gag rule also takes grants away from health centers that separately provide abortion — like Planned Parenthood.” [Planned Parenthood Action, Accessed 3/19/20]
Clinics Were Barred From Referring Patients To An Abortion Provider But Required To Refer Them For Prenatal Care, Regardless Of A Patient’s Wishes. According to Politico, “Clinics will now be barred from referring patients to an abortion provider but required to refer them for prenatal care, regardless of a patient's wishes. Clinics have always been banned from using Title X money for abortions, but the Trump administration argued greater separation was needed to prevent the intermingling of funds. Now, numerous state health agencies administering Title X funds, including some that are their state's lone recipient of program dollars, must decide whether to go forward with previous suggestions that they'd withdraw from Title X if the Trump rules took effect. Millions of dollars are on the line.” [Politico, 7/16/19]
¶ Under The New Rules, Faith Based Groups Were Eligible For Federal Funding
However, Under The Rules Faith Based Groups That Oppose Abortion And Hormonal Birth Control Were Eligible For Federal Funding. According to Politico, “Faith-based groups that oppose abortion and hormonal birth control are also now eligible for funding under the rules. Earlier this year, the religiously affiliated clinic network Obria was awarded a three-year, $5.1 million grant in California. Although the group will only offer ‘natural’ family planning counseling such as abstinence and the rhythm method, it still must subcontract with clinics that provide other forms of contraception.” [Politico, 7/16/19]
¶ Trump’s Title X Gag Rule Left Communities With A Massive Federally Funded Family Planning Provider Gap
Planned Parenthood, Which Served More Than 40 Percent Of U.S. Title X Patients Chose To Reject Funding Due To Restrictions, Leaving Large Parts Of The Country Without A Federally Funded Family Planning Provider. According to Politico, “Planned Parenthood, which serves more than 40 percent of the nation's Title X patients, confirmed Monday night it won't comply with the new rules. The group said Its clinics will start using their own emergency funds while it continues to fight the administration in court. Planned Parenthood, which still gets significant funding from Medicaid, has long been the only Title X funding recipient in Utah, and it covers a large portion of the population in several other states. Its exit from the program could leave parts of the country without a federally funded family planning provider.” [Politico, 7/16/19]
¶ Without Planned Parenthood Clinics Supported By Title X, Other Title X Supported Sites Would Need To Increase Capabilities
Without Planned Parenthood Clinics Supported By Title X, Other Types Of Title X-Supported Sites Would Have Had to Increase Their Contraceptive Client Caseloads By 70 Percent. According to the Guttmacher Institute, “Without Planned Parenthood clinics supported by Title X, other types of Title X–supported sites would need to increase their contraceptive client caseloads by an average of 70%. This poses massive challenges for the rest of the safety-net family planning provider network.” [Guttmacher Institute, 8/29/19]
Other Title X Sites Were Not Readily Able To Replace Title X – Funded Planned Parenthood Health Centers.
[Guttmacher Institute, 8/29/19]
¶ The Trump Administration’s Domestic Gag Rule Slashed The Title X Network’s Capacity By Half
Guttmacher Institute: Trump’s Domestic "Gag Rule" Slashed The Title X National Family Planning Network’s Patient Capacity In Half, Impacting 1.6 Million Female Patients Nationwide. According to the Guttmacher Institute, “New data from the Guttmacher Institute show that the Trump administration’s domestic “gag rule” has slashed the Title X national family planning network’s patient capacity in half, jeopardizing care for 1.6 million female patients nationwide […] Based on data available for 910 of those 981 sites, we estimate that these changes reduced the network’s capacity to provide women with contraceptive services by at least 46%, translating to roughly 1.6 million patients. In other words, the impact of the gag rule on the network’s capacity is much greater than it might appear when looking at clinic numbers alone, because the gag rule intentionally targeted clinics specializing in reproductive health care services, sites that also serve the highest volume of contraceptive patients.” [Guttmacher Institute, 2/5/20]
Trump’s Domestic Gag Rule Reduced The Title X Network’s Capacity By Nearly Half Nationwide And By Much More In Many States.
[Guttmacher Institute, 2/5/20]
¶ SASSE WANTED TO BLOCK EFFORTS TO STOP TRUMP’S CONSCIENCE PROTECTION RULE
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Blocked “Block The Final Rule Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights In Health Care.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Block the final rule protecting statutory conscience rights in health care (84 Fed. Reg. 23170).” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
The Conscience Protection Rule Would Have Allowed Medical Professionals To Deny Treatment Based On Their Moral And Religious Beliefs Including Any Procedures They Object To. According to Politico, “The Biden administration is preparing to scrap a Trump-era rule that allows medical workers to refuse to provide services that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, three people familiar with the deliberations told POLITICO.[…]The so-called conscience rule, unveiled in 2018 and finalized in 2019, was blocked by federal courts after dozens of states, cities and advocacy groups sued, and has never been implemented. Had it gone forward, it would have allowed doctors, nurses, medical students, pharmacists and other health workers to refuse to provide abortions, contraception, gender affirming care, HIV and STD services, vasectomies or any procedure to which they object.” [Politico, 4/19/22]
Politico Stated That The Rule Would Have Allowed Providers To Refuse To Provide “Abortions, Contraception, Gender Affirming Care, HIV And STD Services, Vasectomies.” According to Politico, “The Biden administration is preparing to scrap a Trump-era rule that allows medical workers to refuse to provide services that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, three people familiar with the deliberations told POLITICO.[…]The so-called conscience rule, unveiled in 2018 and finalized in 2019, was blocked by federal courts after dozens of states, cities and advocacy groups sued, and has never been implemented. Had it gone forward, it would have allowed doctors, nurses, medical students, pharmacists and other health workers to refuse to provide abortions, contraception, gender affirming care, HIV and STD services, vasectomies or any procedure to which they object.” [Politico, 4/19/22]
¶ SASSE VOWED TO PROTECT TRUMP’S PROPOSAL FOR A PANEL TO REVIEW FETAL TISSUE RESEARCH AS DEMOCRATS SOUGHT TO BLOCK IT
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Barred The “Convening Of An Ethics Advisory Board To Review Research Involving Human Fetal Tissue.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Bar convening of an ethics advisory board to review research involving human fetal tissue.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
The Trump Administration Required Federally Funded Fetal Tissue Research Projects Go Through An Ethics Review By A New Board. According to Science, “Last summer, the Trump administration clamped down on federally funded fetal tissue research by requiring that such projects go through an ethics review by a new advisory board. Research advocates were eager to learn who Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar would appoint to the board and to see its ideological makeup. Today they got their first look as it gathered online for a one-time meeting run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).” [Science, 7/31/22]
10 Of The 15 Members Of The NIH Human Fetal Tissue Research Ethics Advisory Board Opposed Abortion Or The Funding Of Fetal Tissue Research. According to Science, “Although the 1-hour public portion of the meeting was perfunctory—limited to introductions and public comments—it offered a glimpse of the opposition that may greet proposals to work with fetal tissue donated after elective abortions. At least 10 of the 15 members of the NIH Human Fetal Tissue Research Ethics Advisory Board oppose abortion, and several have publicly stated positions against the funding of fetal tissue research.” [Science, 7/31/22]
R. Alta Charo A Lawyer And Bioethicist At The University Of Wisconsin Said “The Board Is Stacked With People Who Are Known To Oppose Use Of Tissue From Induced Abortions, Regardless Of The Scientific Necessity.” According to Scince, “’The board is stacked with people who are known to oppose use of tissue from induced abortions, regardless of the scientific necessity and regardless of the fact that using such tissue does not in any way affect whether an abortion will take place,’ says R. Alta Charo, a lawyer and bioethicist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Charo concedes that the board includes ‘real scientists who understand the research importance of this tissue.’ But because it does not need to reach unanimity in order to reject a proposal, their presence ‘will not stand in the way of a majority dismissing it out of hand.’” [Science, 7/31/22]
Scientists Used Fetal Tissue To Research Diseases Like HIV And Alzheimers. According to Science, “Scientists use human fetal tissue for research on diseases from HIV to Alzheimer's. More recently, at least one scientist has been kept from studying the new coronavirus by his lack of access to the tissue, his colleagues told The Washington Post. A 2018 NIH workshop attended by HHS leaders concluded that human fetal tissue remains the ‘gold standard’ for certain studies.” [Science, 7/31/22]
¶ SASSE TRIED TO STOP FUNDING FOR THE TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAM
Sasse Objected To A Rider That Earmarked “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants For Planned Parenthood While Increasing Funding.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Specifically, we object to anti-life poison pill riders in the House-passed appropriations bills, which: […] Earmark Teen Pregnancy Prevention grants for Planned Parenthood while increasing funding.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ SASSE ATTACKED NORTHAM AND VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS FOR LEGISLATION ALLOWING ABORTION LATER IN PREGNANCY
Northam Was Attacked For Comments Supporting Abortion Rights Later In Pregnancy. According to CNN, “Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is facing backlash after he voiced his support for a state measure that would significantly loosen restrictions on late-term abortions.” [CNN, 1/31/19]
Some Claimed That Northam’s Comments Endorsed Infanticide. According to Vox, “Some took Northam’s comments as an endorsement of infanticide. ‘In just a few years pro-abortion zealots went from ‘safe, legal, and rare’ to ‘keep the newborns comfortable while the doctor debates infanticide,’ said Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) in a statement on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Gov. Northam told Vox his comments were ‘absolutely not’ a reference to infanticide, and that they ‘focused on the tragic and extremely rare case in which a woman with a nonviable pregnancy or severe fetal abnormalities went into labor.’” [Vox, 2/1/19]
Sasse Claimed That The Comments Were “Morally Repugnant” And That “In Just A Few Years Pro-Abortion Zealots Went From ‘Safe, Legal, And Rare’ To ‘Keep The Newborns Comfortable While The Doctor Debates Infanticide.'” According to the Daily Caller, “‘This is morally repugnant,’ Sasse said in a statement. ‘In just a few years pro-abortion zealots went from ‘safe, legal, and rare’ to ‘keep the newborns comfortable while the doctor debates infanticide,’’ Sasse continued, according to The National Review. ‘I don’t care what party you’re from — if you can’t say that it’s wrong to leave babies to die after birth, get the hell out of public office.’” [Daily Caller, 1/30/19]
Sasse: “What’s Shameful Is That You’re Too Cowardly To Say Point Blank That It’s Wrong To Leave Babies To Die After Birth.” According to National Review, “What’s shameful is that you’re too cowardly to say point blank that it’s wrong to leave babies to die after birth, Senator Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) said in a statement this morning provided to National Review. You could have said that yesterday. But because you’re terrified of an extremist pro-abortion lobby that now defends even infanticide, you’re still ducking.” [National Review, 1/31/19]
Sasse Claimed That Northam Was “Terrified Of An Extremist Pro-Abortion Lobby That Now Defends Even Infanticide.” According to National Review, “What’s shameful is that you’re too cowardly to say point blank that it’s wrong to leave babies to die after birth, Senator Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) said in a statement this morning provided to National Review. You could have said that yesterday. But because you’re terrified of an extremist pro-abortion lobby that now defends even infanticide, you’re still ducking.” [National Review, 1/31/19]
¶ SASSE CLAIMED THAT EVERY DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT WAS “OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM IN AMERICAN LIFE” AND DEFENDED THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT
Sasse Claimed That “The Nation’s Largest Abortion Business Wants Are Basically Indistinguishable From The Position Of Almost Every Democrat Running For President: Abortion — Anytime, Anywhere, For Any Reason, For Free.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Today, the radical things that the nation’s largest abortion business wants are basically indistinguishable from the position of almost every Democrat running for president: Abortion — anytime, anywhere, for any reason, for free,’ said Senator Sasse. ‘Let’s be clear: These candidates are wildly and spectacularly out of the mainstream in American life. Gallup polling over the last two decades has consistently shown that a majority of Americans are opposed to unrestricted abortion access beyond the first trimester.’” [Press Release- Sen. Sasse, 6/20/19]
Sasse Claimed That Every Democratic Candidates For President In 2020 Were “Wildly And Spectacularly Out Of The Mainstream In American Life.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Today, the radical things that the nation’s largest abortion business wants are basically indistinguishable from the position of almost every Democrat running for president: Abortion — anytime, anywhere, for any reason, for free,’ said Senator Sasse. ‘Let’s be clear: These candidates are wildly and spectacularly out of the mainstream in American life. Gallup polling over the last two decades has consistently shown that a majority of Americans are opposed to unrestricted abortion access beyond the first trimester.’” [Press Release- Sen. Sasse, 6/20/19]
Sasse Claimed That Slandering Pro-Life Americans As, In Effect, Klan Members And Nazis Is A Way Of Crushing Debate.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “‘Slandering pro-life Americans as, in effect, Klan members and Nazis is a way of crushing debate. It’s a way of saying that these people — people like my mom (who prays outside abortion clinics), people like my daughters and my wife (who've spent a lot of hours volunteering at a crisis pregnancy centers), and people like the overwhelming majority of the Nebraskans that I get to represent — it’s a way of saying that these people are so morally repugnant that they don’t deserve a voice, they don’t deserve to be treated like human beings, they don't deserve to be engaged in debate, they're not people that you could possibly have reasonable conversation with them. This is crazy talk.’” [Press Release- Sen. Sasse, 6/20/19]
¶ Sasse Attacked San Francisco For Putting Nebraska On A List Of States It Would Not Do Business With Due To Nebraska Restrictive Abortion Laws
San Francisco Put Nebraska On A List Of States It Would No Longer Do Business With Because Of Their Restrictive Abortion Laws. According to the Fremont Tribune, “Nebraska made it onto another business list this week, and this one put it among 22 states with which the city of San Francisco says it will no longer do business. Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Vallie Brown announced the city will implement a travel and contract ban for 22 states with restrictive abortion laws, defined as laws that ban abortion before a fetus is viable to live outside the womb, including so-called fetal heartbeat laws.[…] U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued a statement Friday regarding the ban on Nebraska over its pro-life laws, calling it ‘childish’ to try to shut down a big cultural debate. ‘Progressive cancel culture is dumb,’ Sasse said. ‘Most Nebraskans, like a whole bunch of Californians, are pro-life and want to reflect our pro-science, pro-woman, pro-baby beliefs with common-sense laws.’ Pro-lifers aren't out to silence the other side, he said. ‘We believe in persuasion. San Francisco progressives can throw a tantrum — Nebraskans will continue to act like grownups.’” [Fremont Tribune, 10/18/19]
Sasse Responded By Claiming “Most Nebraskans, Like A Whole Bunch Of Californians, Are Pro-Life And Want To Reflect Our Pro-Science, Pro-Woman, Pro-Baby Beliefs With Common-Sense Laws.” According to the Fremont Tribune, “Nebraska made it onto another business list this week, and this one put it among 22 states with which the city of San Francisco says it will no longer do business. Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Vallie Brown announced the city will implement a travel and contract ban for 22 states with restrictive abortion laws, defined as laws that ban abortion before a fetus is viable to live outside the womb, including so-called fetal heartbeat laws.[…] U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued a statement Friday regarding the ban on Nebraska over its pro-life laws, calling it ‘childish’ to try to shut down a big cultural debate. ‘Progressive cancel culture is dumb,’ Sasse said. ‘Most Nebraskans, like a whole bunch of Californians, are pro-life and want to reflect our pro-science, pro-woman, pro-baby beliefs with common-sense laws.’ Pro-lifers aren't out to silence the other side, he said. ‘We believe in persuasion. San Francisco progressives can throw a tantrum — Nebraskans will continue to act like grownups.’” [Fremont Tribune, 10/18/19]
Sasse Claimed “‘We Believe In Persuasion. San Francisco Progressives Can Throw A Tantrum — Nebraskans Will Continue To Act Like Grownups.” According to the Fremont Tribune, “Nebraska made it onto another business list this week, and this one put it among 22 states with which the city of San Francisco says it will no longer do business. Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Vallie Brown announced the city will implement a travel and contract ban for 22 states with restrictive abortion laws, defined as laws that ban abortion before a fetus is viable to live outside the womb, including so-called fetal heartbeat laws.[…] U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued a statement Friday regarding the ban on Nebraska over its pro-life laws, calling it ‘childish’ to try to shut down a big cultural debate. ‘Progressive cancel culture is dumb,’ Sasse said. ‘Most Nebraskans, like a whole bunch of Californians, are pro-life and want to reflect our pro-science, pro-woman, pro-baby beliefs with common-sense laws.’ Pro-lifers aren't out to silence the other side, he said. ‘We believe in persuasion. San Francisco progressives can throw a tantrum — Nebraskans will continue to act like grownups.’” [Fremont Tribune, 10/18/19]
¶ Sasse Attacked The American Rescue Plan Because He Claimed It Would Provide Funding For Abortion Providers
Sasse Attacked The American Rescue Plan Because “It’s Totally Unprecedented To Use The Reconciliation Process To Expand Federal Funding Of Abortion This Way, And Congress Didn’t Even Have So Much As A Hearing On This Bill. It’s Unconscionable.” According to the Daily Caller, “Republican leaders and pro-life activists condemned the massive COVID-19 relief package that cleared Congress approved Wednesday, telling the Daily Caller News Foundation that the bill disregarded pro-life protections and funnels massive amounts of funding to abortion providers. ‘Because this bill funnels money into subsidizing private insurance that includes abortion coverage, it’s going to be difficult to even ballpark the cash this bill will send to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers,’ Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse told the DCNF. ‘It’s totally unprecedented to use the reconciliation process to expand federal funding of abortion this way, and Congress didn’t even have so much as a hearing on this bill. It’s unconscionable.’” [Daily Caller, 3/10/21]
Sasse Claimed “It’s Going To Be Difficult To Even Ballpark The Cash This Bill Will Send To Planned Parenthood And Other Abortion Providers.” According to the Daily Caller, “Republican leaders and pro-life activists condemned the massive COVID-19 relief package that cleared Congress approved Wednesday, telling the Daily Caller News Foundation that the bill disregarded pro-life protections and funnels massive amounts of funding to abortion providers. ‘Because this bill funnels money into subsidizing private insurance that includes abortion coverage, it’s going to be difficult to even ballpark the cash this bill will send to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers,’ Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse told the DCNF. ‘It’s totally unprecedented to use the reconciliation process to expand federal funding of abortion this way, and Congress didn’t even have so much as a hearing on this bill. It’s unconscionable.’” [Daily Caller, 3/10/21]
¶ Sasse Signed Onto Letter For Investigation Into Five Abortions Letter In Pregnancy
Sasse Signed Onto Letter To DC Mayor Bowser And DC Police Over Report Of Five Late Term Abortions. According to a press release from Senator Lankford, “Senator James Lankford (R-OK), lead Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management with jurisdiction over the District of Columbia, today sent a bicameral letter to Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department Robert Contee, and US Attorney General Merrick Garland after a truly gut-wrenching and gruesome report of five babies whose lives were taken through late-term abortion in Washington, DC, last week. Joining Lankford in sending the letter are Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-SD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Chris Smith (R-NJ). The letter demands an investigation into the deaths of the babies, including an autopsy since evidence suggests one or more of them may have lost their life through an illegal partial-birth abortion or may have been born alive and later killed.” [Press Release – Lankford, 4/5/22]
¶ Sasse Pushed For Abortion Bans
¶ SASSE CO-SPONSORED A 20-WEEK ABORTION BAN SIX TIMES AND VOTED FOR IT TWICE
¶ 2015: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Sasse Was A Original Co-Sponsor Of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. According to Congress.gov, “Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]” was listed as “ = Original cosponsor” for “S.1553 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on "June 11 2015” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Bill Received Hearings In The Committee On The Judiciary. According to Congress.gov, The only actions taken on the bill was “Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ 2017: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Sasse Co-Sponsored A 20-Week Abortion Ban. According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK) in introducing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The legislation would provide common-sense protections for unborn children at 20 weeks after fertilization, a point at which there is significant scientific evidence that abortion inflicts tremendous pain on these vulnerable human beings.[…] ‘Washington has a debate between empty euphemisms like ‘choice’ and basic science – none of the usual euphemisms change the fact that a 20-week old baby can see, swallow, and flex her arms and legs,’ said Senator Ben Sasse. ‘Americans rightly condemn human rights abuses around the world because we judge societies on how they take care of their most vulnerable members – there’s no good reason for the United States to be on a list of human rights abusers like China and North Korea in allowing these kinds of abortions.’” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 10/5/17]
- The Bill Did Not Receive A Vote. According to Congress.gov, The only actions taken on the bill was “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Action By: Senate” on “October 5 2017” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ 2018: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Sasse Was A Original Co-Sponsor Of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. According to Congress.gov, “Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]” was listed as “ = Original cosponsor” for “S.2311 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on "January 16 2018” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Bill Failed To Move Forward Because It Failed A Motion To Proceed Due To Failing To Get Enough Votes For A Cloture Motion. According to Congress.gov, On “January 29 2018” “Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 25.Action By: Senate” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- Sasse Voted To Advance The Bill. According to Congress.gov, On “January 29 2018” Sasse Voted “Yea” On On “Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of S. 2311 )” [United States Senate, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ 2019: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Sasse Was A Original Co-Sponsor Of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. According to Congress.gov, “Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]” was listed as “ = Original cosponsor” for “S.160 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on "January 16 2019” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Bill Did Not Receive A Vote. According to Congress.gov, The only actions taken on the bill was “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Action By: Senate” on “January 16 2019.” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ 2020: A Bill To Protect Pain-Capable Unborn Children, And For Other Purposes
Sasse Was A Original Co-Sponsor Of A Bill To Amend Title 18, United States Code, To Protect Pain-Capable Unborn Children, And For Other Purposes. According to Congress.gov, “Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]” was listed as “ = Original cosponsor” for “S.3275 - A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children, and for other purposes.” on "February 11 2019” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Bill Failed To Move Forward Because It Failed A Motion To Proceed Due To Failing To Get Enough Votes For A Cloture Motion. According to Congress.gov, On “February 25 2020” “Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 44. Record Vote Number: 57. (CR S1136) Action By: Senate” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- Sasse Voted To Advance The Bill. According to Congress.gov, On “February 25, 2020” Sasse Voted “Yea” On On “On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to S. 3275 )” [United States Senate, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ 2021: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Sasse Was A Original Co-Sponsor Of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. According to Congress.gov, “Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]” was listed as “ = Original cosponsor” for “S.61 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on "January 27 2021” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
- The Bill Was Referred To The Committee On The Judiciary. According to Congress.gov, The only actions taken on the bill was “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Action By: Senate” on “January 27 2021” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ Consequences Of 20-Week Abortion Bans
ACLU: The 20-Week Abortion Ban Is “Extreme And Unconstitutional.” According to a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union addressing the House’s version of the 2017 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, “On behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and our more than two million members and supporters, we urge you to vote NO on H.R. 36, an extreme and unconstitutional nationwide pre-viability ban on abortion. We oppose H.R. 36 because it interferes with a woman’s most personal medical decisions and violates fundamental constitutional principles.” [American Civil Liberties Union, 10/2/17]
Abortions After 20 Weeks Made Up Less Than 2% Of All Abortions Performed In The United States. According to Mother Jones, “Women who end their pregnancies after 20 weeks’ gestation account for less than 2 percent of all abortions performed in the United States—a figure that has been static since the early 1970s. About 13,000 women sought these later abortions in 2011, the most recent year for which there is reliable data. Solid data on why women seek abortions after 20 weeks is scarce. What is known is that majority of women who terminate their pregnancies because of fetal anomalies, like Elizabeth, do so after the 20-week mark. Researchers say that most women who have abortions after 20 weeks do so because they didn’t have the money for an earlier abortion; they experienced a disruptive life event such as divorce, abuse, or the death of a partner; or they didn’t realize they were pregnant. That last category includes teens who don’t have a regular period or who don’t recognize the signs of pregnancy.” [Mother Jones, 1/21/15]
Most Women Who Terminate Pregnancies Due To Fetal Abnormalities Due So After 20 Weeks. According to Mother Jones, “Women who end their pregnancies after 20 weeks’ gestation account for less than 2 percent of all abortions performed in the United States—a figure that has been static since the early 1970s. About 13,000 women sought these later abortions in 2011, the most recent year for which there is reliable data. Solid data on why women seek abortions after 20 weeks is scarce. What is known is that majority of women who terminate their pregnancies because of fetal anomalies, like Elizabeth, do so after the 20-week mark. Researchers say that most women who have abortions after 20 weeks do so because they didn’t have the money for an earlier abortion; they experienced a disruptive life event such as divorce, abuse, or the death of a partner; or they didn’t realize they were pregnant. That last category includes teens who don’t have a regular period or who don’t recognize the signs of pregnancy.” [Mother Jones, 1/21/15]
¶ Sasse Attacked And Sought To Defund Planned Parenthood
¶ JULY 2015: SASSE CO-SPONSORED A BILL THAT WOULD HAVE DEFUNDED PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Sasse Cosponsored A Bill That Would Defund Planned Parenthood But Preserve Federal Funds For Non-Abortion Women’s Health Services. According to a press release from Sen. Ernst, Following Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) announcement of a working group, today U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) along with Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), James Lankford (R-OK) and 21 cosponsors introduced legislation to protect women’s health and defund Planned Parenthood, S.1881. This legislation follows gruesome footage showcasing Planned Parenthood’s role in the harvesting of the organs of unborn babies. […] In addition to defunding Planned Parenthood, this legislation ensures the preservation of Federal funding for women’s health services including relevant diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, family planning services including contraception, sexually transmitted disease testing, cervical and breast cancer screenings, and referrals. Funds no longer available to Planned Parenthood will continue to be offered to other eligible entities to provide such women’s health care services.” [Press Release-Sen. Ernst, 7/28/15]
- The Bill Failed To Move Forward Because It Failed A Motion To Proceed Due To Failing To Get Enough Votes For A Cloture Motion. According to Congress.gov, On “August 3 2015” “Cloture On The Motion To Proceed To The Measure Not Invoked In Senate By Yea-Nay Vote. 53 – 46” [Congress.gov, Accessed 6/23/22]
Sasse Released A Statement In Response To The Bill Failure Claiming “I Am Grateful That A Bipartisan Majority Of The Senate Agrees With Nebraskans That We Can Protect Mothers And Babies And I Look Forward To Continuing This Important Conversation.” According to a press release from Sen. Sasse, “Today, U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding the Senate's failure to advance legislation that would redirect federal Planned Parenthood funds to other women's health providers. ‘As a parent of three children, I watched today's vote with a heavy heart. While too many of my colleagues chose Planned Parenthood's empty euphemisms over scientific facts, Americans across the country are beginning an honest conversation about the dignity of human life. ‘In light of recent videos, sincere people on both sides of the abortion debate should be able to agree that Planned Parenthood cannot hide its practices behind misleading slogans like ‘safe, legal, and rare.’ ‘I am grateful that a bipartisan majority of the Senate agrees with Nebraskans that we can protect mothers and babies and I look forward to continuing this important conversation.’” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/3/15]
¶ SASSE ATTACKED PLANNED PARENTHOOD OVER MISLEADING VIDEOS HE CLAIMED SHOWED PLANNED PARENTHOOD WAS WILLING TO SELL FETAL PARTS
Sasse Claimed That Videos Showed Planned Parenthoods Abortion’s “Abortion Practices.” According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, “Awe-filled, my wife and I have watched my tiny children on a grainy ultrasound screen. It’s these memories that make recent videos uncovering Planned Parenthood’s abortion practices even more gut-wrenching.[…] Abortion is emotional and difficult to discuss. Some days I feel ill equipped to open my mouth. Hillary Clinton recently agreed that the videos were ‘disturbing.’ Wherever we stand on the legal fight about abortion, Planned Parenthood — an abortion business that pulls in over a billion dollars of revenue per year — can no longer hide its shady, deathly practices behind a nice-sounding slogan about ‘safe, legal and rare’ abortion. Here’s why:” [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
Sasse Claimed The Videos That Proved That Planned Parenthood Could “No Longer Hide Its Shady, Deathly Practices Behind A Nice-Sounding Slogan About ‘Safe, Legal And Rare’ Abortion.” According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, “Awe-filled, my wife and I have watched my tiny children on a grainy ultrasound screen. It’s these memories that make recent videos uncovering Planned Parenthood’s abortion practices even more gut-wrenching.[…] Abortion is emotional and difficult to discuss. Some days I feel ill equipped to open my mouth. Hillary Clinton recently agreed that the videos were ‘disturbing.’ Wherever we stand on the legal fight about abortion, Planned Parenthood — an abortion business that pulls in over a billion dollars of revenue per year — can no longer hide its shady, deathly practices behind a nice-sounding slogan about ‘safe, legal and rare’ abortion. Here’s why:” [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
¶ Sasse Claimed That “A Pregnant Woman Walking Into A Planned Parenthood Facility Was 174 Times More Likely To Receive An Abortion Than An Adoption Referral”
Sasse Claimed That “A Pregnant Woman Walking Into A Planned Parenthood Facility Was 174 Times More Likely To Receive An Abortion Than An Adoption Referral.” According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, Hardly rare: Clinton and others say they want abortion to be ‘rare.’ But abortion in America remains a very big, very profitable business. In its 2013-14 annual report, Planned Parenthood reported performing 327,653 abortions. According to these numbers, the Planned Parenthood abortion business ended an average of 898 lives every single day — one abortion every 96 seconds. In the same year, a pregnant woman walking into a Planned Parenthood facility was 174 times more likely to receive an abortion than an adoption referral. In its 2013-14 annual report, the abortion giant also reported collecting over $528 million from the government, more than $127 million in excess revenue and more than $1.4 billion in net assets.” [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
¶ Sasse Claimed The Video Showed “Multiple Abortion Doctors Negotiating Over The Asking Price For Body Parts”
Sasse Claimed That The Videos Full Transcript “Show That Abortion Doctors Just Don’t Want To ‘Look’ Like They Are Selling Organs. Instead, They Want To Help ‘Frame’ And ‘Market’ The Issue, And Help Clinics With Their ‘Bottom Line.'” According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, “Dubiously legal: Planned Parenthood claims its practices are entirely legal. They say unedited footage proves that clinics don’t want to make money off the sale of baby organs — a practice that would be illegal under federal law. But full transcripts show that abortion doctors just don’t want to ‘look’ like they are selling organs. Instead, they want to help ‘frame’ and ‘market’ the issue, and help clinics with their ‘bottom line.’ When defending her doctors, Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards, says that payments for ‘donated’ fetal body parts don’t benefit Planned Parenthood’s bottom line. But full footage shows multiple abortion doctors negotiating over the asking price for body parts. I have joined 49 other senators in asking the U.S. Department of Health Human Services to investigate whether Planned Parenthood broke the law. [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
Sasse Questioned Claimed That “But Full Footage Shows Multiple Abortion Doctors Negotiating Over The Asking Price For Body Parts.” That According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, “Dubiously legal: Planned Parenthood claims its practices are entirely legal. They say unedited footage proves that clinics don’t want to make money off the sale of baby organs — a practice that would be illegal under federal law. But full transcripts show that abortion doctors just don’t want to ‘look’ like they are selling organs. Instead, they want to help ‘frame’ and ‘market’ the issue, and help clinics with their ‘bottom line.’ When defending her doctors, Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards, says that payments for ‘donated’ fetal body parts don’t benefit Planned Parenthood’s bottom line. But full footage shows multiple abortion doctors negotiating over the asking price for body parts. I have joined 49 other senators in asking the U.S. Department of Health Human Services to investigate whether Planned Parenthood broke the law. [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
Sasse Called On The “U.S. Department Of Health Human Services To Investigate Whether Planned Parenthood Broke The Law” By Selling Fetal Organs. According to an Op-Ed written by Sasse in the Omaha World Herald, “Dubiously legal: Planned Parenthood claims its practices are entirely legal. They say unedited footage proves that clinics don’t want to make money off the sale of baby organs — a practice that would be illegal under federal law. But full transcripts show that abortion doctors just don’t want to ‘look’ like they are selling organs. Instead, they want to help ‘frame’ and ‘market’ the issue, and help clinics with their ‘bottom line.’ When defending her doctors, Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards, says that payments for ‘donated’ fetal body parts don’t benefit Planned Parenthood’s bottom line. But full footage shows multiple abortion doctors negotiating over the asking price for body parts. I have joined 49 other senators in asking the U.S. Department of Health Human Services to investigate whether Planned Parenthood broke the law. [Omaha World Herald, 10/16/19]
¶ Response To The Videos
The New York Times Editorial Board Said “The Center For Medical Progress Video Campaign Is A Dishonest Attempt To Make Legal, Voluntary And Potentially Lifesaving Tissue Donations Appear Nefarious And Illegal.” According to the New York Times editorial board, “The Center for Medical Progress video campaign is a dishonest attempt to make legal, voluntary and potentially lifesaving tissue donations appear nefarious and illegal. Lawmakers responding by promoting their own anti-choice agenda are rewarding deception and putting women’s health and their constitutionally protected rights at risk.” [New York Times Editorial Board, 7/22/15]
12 States Investigations Did Not Find Any Sale Of Fetal Parts. According to NPR, “The videos served as a major rallying point for Americans opposed to abortion. They fueled a threat to shut down the government as well as a push in several states to cut funding to Planned Parenthood. They also inspired a wave of investigations. After the videos' release last summer, a number of states quickly decided to look into whether the tissue sale the videos purported to show was happening within their borders. Despite all the worry, state investigations have yet to find any evidence that Planned Parenthood was selling or profiting off fetal tissue. Twelve states have completed investigations into Planned Parenthood following the videos' release, according to the organization.” [NPR, 1/28/16]
¶ Sasse Praised Trump’s Leadership On Anti-Abortion Policies
¶ SASSE LAUDED TRUMP FOR THREATENING TO VETO LEGISLATION TO WEAKEN HIS ANTI-ABORTION WORK ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL
Sasse Praised Trump In A Letter For Threatening To Veto Any Bills That Would “Weaken Or Eliminate Federal Pro-Life Policies.” According to a press release featuring a letter to Trump from Sen. Sasse, “Thank you for your bold pro-life leadership and for prioritizing the protection of pro-life policies in budget negotiations. In particular, thank you for your letter to Speaker Pelosi on January 18, 2019, pledging to veto any legislation that would weaken or eliminate federal pro-life policies, including both longstanding pro-life protections, such as the Hyde and Dornan Amendments, and your Administration’s important pro-life achievements.” [Press Release-Sen. Sasse, 8/2/19]
¶ SASSE PRAISED TRUMP’S REMARKS ON ABORTION AT HIS 2019 STATE OF THE UNION
Sasse: “Pro-Life Nebraskans Should Be Encouraged To Hear The President Call On Congress To Protect The Dignity Of Every Individual And Build A Culture That Values Life” After Trump’s 2019 State Of The Union. According to the Associated Press, “Nebraska’s all-Republican congressional delegation praised President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, describing it as conciliatory, positive and cooperative. […] Sen. Ben Sasse focused on Trump’s remarks about abortion: ‘Pro-life Nebraskans should be encouraged to hear the president call on Congress to protect the dignity of every individual and build a culture that values life.’” [Associated Press, 2/7/19]
¶ Sasse Worked Hand-In-Hand With Prominent Anti-Abortion Activists
¶ SASSE SPOKE AT AN EVENT FOR STUDENTS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA
Sasse Spoke At The Students For Life Of Of America In 2017. According to MRC NewsBusters, “Celebrating life and protecting the ‘little guy’ should be a bipartisan goal, according to one senator. Speaking at Students for Life of America #SockIt2PP rally Wednesday, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) affirmed the human dignity of the unborn as Congress considers defunding Planned Parenthood in debates over the upcoming federal budget. Sen. Sasse began by acknowledging the compelling scene before him. Pointing to the 196,543 pairs of baby socks at the U.S. Capitol representing half of the babies aborted per year by Planned Parenthood, Sen. Sasse urged, ‘we need to have images like this so that people start to reflect on the magnitude of this suffering that’s happening out there.’” [NewsBusters, 4/27/17]
¶ Students For Life President Took Extreme Positions On Abortion
The President Of Students For Life Of America Kristan Hawkins Signed A Letter That Urged The GOP To Oppose Any Exceptions For Rape And Incest In Abortion Bills. According to the Washington Post, “Emboldened by the bans, 17 anti-abortion leaders sent a letter Wednesday to Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel requesting a meeting and urging the GOP to explicitly oppose exceptions for rape and incest. The signatories included Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, the Rev. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, and activist Ryan Bomberger , the son of a woman who was impregnated by a rapist but opted against having an abortion. ‘We understand that issues like rape and incest are difficult topics to tackle.’ the letter said. ‘Nevertheless, it is our view that the value of human life is not determined by the circumstances of one’s conception or birth.’” [Washington Post, 5/24/19]
The President Of Students For Life Of America Kristan Hawkins Called The Supreme Court Decision That Left Texas’s Senate Bill 8 Standing “Baby Steps In The Right Direction Toward The Obvious Conclusion That Roe Is Fatally Flawed And Must Go.” According to Student’s For Life Of America, “Overnight, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling denied an emergency appeal from abortionists and their lawyers in Texas as they tried to stop an innovative law that prohibits abortion in Texas after 6 weeks of pregnancy from going into effect. Students for Life of America/Students for Life Action President Kristan Hawkins made the following statement: ‘Today’s news is a wakeup call for Corporate Abortion that has hidden a predatory and barbaric business behind claims of Constitutional cover. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Constitution does not create a subclass of human beings whose rights are stripped away based on their age and location, nor will you find ‘abortion’ written in invisible between the lines. Students for Life of America was founded as a Post Roe organization, working for the day after Roe with help and support for mothers and their children, born and pre-born. We are now one day closer to that reality. ‘We are celebrating this decision for what it is, baby steps in the right direction toward the obvious conclusion that Roe is fatally flawed and must go. There are a lot of issues not addressed in the ruling today, but thankfully, the court has the opportunity to dive deeper into this when Dobbs v. Jackson is heard later this year.’” [Students For Life Of America, 9/2/21]
Students For Life Of America Called The Texas Heartbeat Law “Innovative.” According to Students For Life Of America, “Overnight, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling denied an emergency appeal from abortionists and their lawyers in Texas as they tried to stop an innovative law that prohibits abortion in Texas after 6 weeks of pregnancy from going into effect.” [Students For Life Of America, 9/2/21]
¶ SASSE PRAISED THOSE ATTENDING MARCH FOR LIFE
Sasse Posted That The March For Life Cause Was “Pro-Woman, Pro-Baby, Pro-Science, And Pro-Human Dignity. We’re Pro-Truth, And Truth Is Winning.” According to Sen. Sasse’s official Facebook, “Thousands of Americans come to DC for the #MarchForLife. This should fill us with hope. Our cause is pro-woman, pro-baby, pro-science, and pro-human dignity. We’re pro-truth, and truth is winning.” [Facebook, 1/18/19]
¶ March For Life Leaders Urged Republicans To Reconsider Rape And Incest Exceptions
The Leaders Of March For Life Signed A Letter That Urged Republicans To ‘Reconsider Decades-Old Talking Points’ On Rape And Incest Exceptions And That “The Value Of Human Life Is Not Determined By The Circumstances Of One's Conception Or Birth.” According to NPR, “But fueled by momentum from the passage of a restrictive abortion law in Alabama, a coalition of anti-abortion-rights groups released a letter Wednesday asking Republican officials to ‘reconsider decades-old talking points’ on exceptions to such laws. ‘We understand that issues like rape and incest are difficult topics to tackle; nevertheless, it is our view that the value of human life is not determined by the circumstances of one's conception or birth,’ said a draft of the letter provided to NPR by Students for Life of America, which led the effort. The letter, which is addressed to Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel, goes on: ‘A child conceived in rape is still a child. We don't blame children for other matters outside their control. Why should we do so here?’[…] Other signers of the letter urging Republicans to rethink their messaging on rape and incest exceptions include leaders of March for Life, Operation Rescue, Priests for Life and Abby Johnson — a former Planned Parenthood director who now leads an organization that encourages clinic workers to leave their jobs.” [NPR, 5/22/19]
¶ SASSE SPOKE AT THREE EVENTS FOR NEBRASKA RIGHT TO LIFE
Nebraska Right To Life Hosted The Nebraska Walk For Life. According to Nebraska Right To Life, “This event commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade, on January 22, 1973. It is the largest, longest-running First Amendment demonstration against abortion in the state. Participants gather at the State Capitol and walk several blocks to an indoor venue to hear a nationally known speaker deliver a profound pro-life message. Thousands of pro-life supporters have gathered for this event since its inception in 1974. Nebraska Right to Life also commemorates the day by distributing roses to state senators and elected officials at the State Capitol.” [Nebraska Right To Life, Accessed 6/23/22]
Sasse Spoke At The 2017 Nebraska Walk For Life. According to the Omaha World Hearld, “While many Nebraskans prepared for an ice storm, about 5,000 people enjoyed a sunny morning while taking part in the Walk for Life on Saturday. Gov. Pete Ricketts spoke, as did Nebraska Right to Life President Sandy Danek, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, Sen. Ben Sasse and members of the Nebraska Legislature. Children held signs that read "Defend life" and "Stop abortion now." The Walk for Life is held each year to protest the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. The event is sponsored by Nebraska Right to Life.” [Omaha World Herald, 1/15/17]
Sasse Spoke At The 46th Annual Nebraska Walk For Life And Said The Success Of The Pro-Life Movement Was Due To Everyday People Changing Minds. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, “Nebraskans against abortion braved cold winds and icy streets to express their views on a march through downtown Lincoln on Saturday morning. The 46th annual Nebraska Walk For Life began at the state Capitol and finished at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Union. Organized by Nebraska Right to Life, the walk was held near the date of the 47th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision and featured several speakers, including public officials and those with personal experience with abortion issues. […] Sen. Ben Sasse also spoke, thanking the crowd for braving the weather and saying the successes of the anti-abortion movement were due to everyday people winning over hearts and minds. He applauded picketing outside abortion clinics and thanked the crowd for its dedication to their cause. ‘Our message is one of hope: We stand up for babies and moms, science and compassion,’ Sasse said in a statement after the event.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 1/18/20]
- Sasse Said In A Statement “‘Our Message Is One Of Hope: We Stand Up For Babies And Moms, Science And Compassion” After The Event. According to Lincoln Journal Star, “Nebraskans against abortion braved cold winds and icy streets to express their views on a march through downtown Lincoln on Saturday morning. The 46th annual Nebraska Walk For Life began at the state Capitol and finished at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Union. Organized by Nebraska Right to Life, the walk was held near the date of the 47th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision and featured several speakers, including public officials and those with personal experience with abortion issues. […] Sen. Ben Sasse also spoke, thanking the crowd for braving the weather and saying the successes of the anti-abortion movement were due to everyday people winning over hearts and minds. He applauded picketing outside abortion clinics and thanked the crowd for its dedication to their cause. ‘Our message is one of hope: We stand up for babies and moms, science and compassion,’ Sasse said in a statement after the event.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 1/18/20]
Sasse Spoke At The 48th Nebraska Walk For Life Event. According to Lincoln Journal Star, “Thousands of Nebraskans against abortion gathered on the steps of the Capitol on Saturday for the 48th annual Walk for Life. The event, organized by Nebraska Right to Life, comes just weeks after state Sen. Julie Slama proposed an anti-abortion bill that would make all abortions illegal in Nebraska if physicians can detect a heartbeat. Sen. Megan Hunt has introduced two bills that would expand abortion access in response. Slama spoke at the event along with other Nebraska politicians including U.S. Reps. Jeff Fortenberry and Don Bacon, U.S. Sens Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley and several other state senators. The speakers expressed hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks. Nebraska senator introduces 'heartbeat' abortion ban, teeing up legislative fight During arguments in December, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court indicated that it would uphold the law, and may even overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that established a nationwide right to abortion, The Associated Press reported. A decision isn’t expected before June.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 3/6/22]
¶ Nebraska Right To Life Did Not Support Any Exceptions To Abortion Bans For Rape Or Incest
Nebraska Right To Life Did Not Include Rape And Incest As Exceptions To Its Opposition To Abortion. According to Nebraska Right To Life, “Nebraska Right to Life and its affiliate chapters believe in the respect for life from fertilization until natural death. As such, we oppose abortion, except in the cases to save the life of the mother. Therapeutic abortions, those abortions done to save the life of the mother, are almost nonexistent in today’s medical climate. If the mother’s life were threatened, a conscientious physician would try to save both mother and baby. In the rare case where such a decision is needed, the problem would be that of balancing one human life against another.” [Nebraska Right To Life, Accessed 6/23/22]
¶ SASSE WAS GIVEN AN “A+” RATING BY THE SUSAN B. ANTHONY PRO-LIFE AMERICA SCORECARD
Sasse Was Praised As Having “Stood Up Against Extremist Nominees Of The Pro-Abortion Biden-Harris Administration, Against Pro-Abortion Action Both In The Administration And Through Legislation Advanced By Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.” According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, “Senator Sasse has stood up against extremist nominees of the pro-abortion Biden-Harris administration, against pro-abortion action both in the administration and through legislation advanced by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Sen. Sasse has voted consistently to defend the lives of the unborn and infants. This includes stopping hard-earned tax dollars from paying for abortion, whether domestically or internationally, and protecting health care provider rights for those who refuse to engage in brutal abortions. During a confirmation hearing for secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Sasse questioned nominee Xavier Becerra about his extreme, pro-abortion litigation against the Little Sisters of the Poor during his tenure as attorney general of California. He also led an amendment to S. Con. Res. 5, the Budget Resolution, to protect babies born alive after failed abortions.” [Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Accessed, 6/15/22]
Sasse Was Given An “A+” Rating By The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Scorecard. According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, “Sasse Received A Rating Of “A+” From The Susan B Anthony Pro Life America Scorecard For “2021-2027” And “2015-2021.” [Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Accessed, 6/15/22]
¶ SBA List President Wanted No Exceptions For Rape Or Incest
SBA List President Dannenfelser’s Perfect Abortion Law Would Only Have An Exception For The Life Of The Mother. According to the Telegraph, “Mrs Dannenfelser is also reluctant to be drawn on some of the heavily debated exceptions to the pro-life rule. Polling shows that a public majority, in America and in Britain, agree that women and girls should have access to abortion after rape, for example. Dannenfelser isn't convinced. In fact, she's hugely frustrated that anti-abortion bills have been blocked in the past because of a lack of exception clauses, when they make up such a tiny proportion of cases. So what would her 'perfect abortion bill' look like? "It would have an exception for the life of the mother only," she says, eventually, before her pragmatism rears its head. "But we're not living a perfect world, and I have also been behind bills that have included the rape, incest and life of the mother exception." [Telegraph, 9/26/16]