Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) joined his House Republican colleagues in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962). 

This legislation would protect children that are born alive during an abortion. When these children are physically born and viable outside the womb, health care practitioners would be required to exercise a degree of care for the child like any other person. 

"It's simple: we are charged with the care and protection of the most vulnerable among us. This bill would prohibit infanticide and ensure babies born alive after abortion attempts receive the medical care and legal protections they deserve. Infanticide will not be tolerated in our country, and I will do everything possible to protect these newborns." said Congressman Emmer.

Emmer was a co-sponsor of the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act during the 115th Congress, and is a co-sponsor of the current legislation during the 116th Congress. 

BACKGROUND

A discharge petition is a procedural tool used to bring a piece of legislation to the House floor. A discharge petition will – if signed by a simple majority of 218 members of the House of Representatives – move the corresponding legislation to the House floor for a debate, and finally, a vote. 

House Democratic leadership have blocked more than 25 attempts to debate and vote on this legislation. With all 197 Republicans signing the discharge petition, only 21 Democrat signatures would be required.

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