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Rep. Broun Introduces Bill To Define Life as Beginning at Fertilization
[Jan. 12, 2009]

Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) last week reintroduced a bill to define life as beginning at fertilization and give constitutional rights to embryos and fetuses, the Athens Banner-Herald reports. The Sanctity of Human Life Act essentially would ban abortion and legislatively overturn Roe v. Wade, according to the Banner-Herald. Based on a spokesperson for Broun, the legislation would not ban invitro fertilization, but any leftover embryos could not be destroyed and could be available for embryo adoption. Broun said that the bill gives Democrats and Republicans “who cherish life an opportunity to protect and defend the innocent and most defenseless among us,” adding that he “firmly believe[s] that human life begins with fertilization and that we have a moral and constitutional obligation to protect and defend each precious soul that comes into existence.”

The Banner-Herald reports that the Democratic majority inside the House is “highly unlikely” to pass the bill, but Broun’s spokesperson said he is hopeful that constituents from other congressional districts will encourage their representatives to support the bill. Broun first introduced the bill in November 2007. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it died. Whilst campaigning, Broun pledged that the bill will be the first piece of legislation he introduces each two years until it passes or he leaves Congress (Aued, Athens Banner-Herald, 1/8).

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