Official records from the U.S. Senate or news reports confirming the reintroduction

Senate Democrats Block Born-Alive Act in 52-47 Vote on January 22, 2025, Introduced by Senators Britt and Lankford

Jan 22, 2025, 09:17 PM

Senate Democrats unanimously blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill introduced by Senators Katie Britt and James Lankford that aimed to ensure medical care for infants born alive after a failed abortion. The vote, which occurred on January 22, 2025, resulted in a 52-47 tally, falling short of the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster. The legislation sought to mandate that healthcare providers exercise the same degree of professional skill and care to preserve the life and health of such infants as they would for any other child born alive at the same gestational age. The bill also required immediate hospital transport for these infants. Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, expressed disappointment and criticized Democrats for not supporting what they described as a straightforward measure to protect life. The bill had been endorsed by numerous pro-life organizations and had significant Republican support in the Senate. Senators Patty Murray and Chuck Schumer opposed the bill, with Murray calling it a 'sham bill' and Schumer labeling it as 'pernicious' and 'anti-choice extremism.' According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1% of all abortions in the United States occur after 21 weeks of pregnancy, and between 2003 and 2014, approximately 143 infants died after being born alive during an abortion. A Canadian study found that more than 11% of abortions between 15 and 29 weeks resulted in a live birth. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, emphasized the need for care for infants born alive, stating that there is no difference in the value and dignity of a child based on whether they were originally wanted or not.