Senate Democrats Block Born-Alive Act in 52-47 Vote; House Passes Bill Next Day

Jan 23, 2025, 09:10 PM

On January 22, 2025, Senate Democrats blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in a 52-47 vote, falling short of the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster. All Senate Democrats voted against the bill, which was introduced by Senator James Lankford and aimed to require healthcare providers to offer life-saving medical care to infants who survive attempted abortions. Republicans criticized Democrats for opposing the legislation, arguing that protecting infants born alive should not be controversial. In response, Democrats contended that the bill interfered with medical decisions and could criminalize doctors. The following day, the House of Representatives passed the bill with all Republicans and only one Democrat voting in favor. The bill mandates that infants born alive after failed abortion attempts receive the same level of care as any other newborn.