In the days surrounding President Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Trump and Republican lawmakers made several moves that have earned the applause of pro-life advocates nationwide.
Trump Signs Executive Order With Pro-Life Implications
- On January 20, immediately after his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order stating that the official U.S. policy will only recognize two biological sexes. The order defines “Female” as “a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell”, and defines “Male” as “a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the small reproductive cell.”
Pro-life organization Live Action noted that, “[a]s written, this could have big implications for those fighting for the protection of preborn children from abortion, as well as those created via IVF.”
House Passes Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to protect babies who survive abortion attempts. The pro-life victory comes after Democrats blocked the companion bill introduced in the Senate the day prior.
Sen. Hawley Introduces Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood
- Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri on January 16th introduced a bill to defund Planned Parenthood. The Department of Government Efficiency and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson have also recommended the move. Vice President J.D. Vance previously said Trump would defund Planned Parenthood.
Read the bill here.
Trump Pardons Pro-Life Advocates
- President Trump issued pardons Thursday for 23 pro-life advocates held in prison under the Biden administration for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a federal statute frequently used to penalize pro-life advocates.
J.D. Vance Gives First Vice Presidential Speech at National March for Life
- J.D. Vance gave his first speech as vice president at the March for Life.
“You guys are the beating heart of the pro-life movement, and you’ve saved many lives already, and you’re going to save more again,” Vance told March participants. “This very March is a reminder of the incredible strength and unity of the pro-life movement. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for being here and thank you for marching here today.
Donald Trump also gave recorded remarks in a video played at the March.
“In my second term, we will again stand proudly for families and for life,” Trump said. “We will protect the historic gains we have made and stop the radical Democrat push for a federal right to unlimited abortion on demand up to the moment of birth and even after birth.”
Trump became the first U.S. president to address the crowd during the national March for Life during his first term in office.
Developing… Check back for updates.
