U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) Friday introduced legislation to ensure the remains of aborted children are always treated with dignity. Following the discovery of more than 2,200 human fetal remains on the property of longtime Indiana abortionist Ulrich Klopfer, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act (H.R. 4934) would hold abortion providers accountable if they fail to provide for the proper burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains.
“Every life is precious, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “The sickening discovery of thousands of human fetal remains in Ulrich Klopfer’s garage was a tragic reminder of the terrible cost of abortion. Our society cannot tolerate such callous disregard for the sanctity of human life. As we continue working to defend the unborn, it is critical that we pass this bill to protect the dignity of abortion victims by ensuring their remains are treated with the respect they deserve.”
“I’m proud that Indiana is leading the way to federally mandate respectful treatment of abortion victims,” said Congressman Banks. “Dr. Klopfer’s crimes were unspeakably horrific and they affected me on a very deep and personal level. I hope that his crimes have also awakened my Congressional colleagues to the importance of preserving the dignity of all human life — including aborted children. The legislation introduced by Rep. Walorski and I aims to achieve this in the most simple and common-sense manner.”
BACKGROUND
The Dignity for Aborted Children Act builds on the Indiana law enacted in 2016 and upheld this year by the U.S. Supreme Court that requires dignified disposition of aborted fetal remains. The House bill is similar to S. 2590, which was recently introduced by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and includes a rigorous reporting mechanism to ensure compliance.
H.R. 4934 would:
- Require abortion providers to dispose of aborted fetal remains just as they would any other human remains. Failure to do so would be punishable by a fine and up to five years in prison.
- Require a consent form so the mother can choose between retaining possession of her unborn child or allowing the provider to cremate or inter the remains. Failure of the provider to execute these forms would be punishable by a civil penalty.
- Require abortion providers to report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the transfer of remains for cremation or interment. Contractors providing these services would be required to report how they provided for proper disposition.
- Direct HHS to annually review these reports to verify all abortion providers are ensuring the dignified disposition of aborted children.
In September, more than 2,200 human fetal remains were discovered on Klopfer’s property in Illinois. The recently-deceased abortionist practiced in northern Indiana for decades until 2015, shortly before his medical license was suspended.
Last month, Walorski and Banks led a group of 67 House Republicans in calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide any assistance requested by state authorities investigating the matter, to open a separate inquiry if any federal laws were violated, and to review existing state laws pertaining to the disposition of human fetal remains.
The Dignity for Aborted Children Act is endorsed by:
- Susan B. Anthony List
- March For Life
- National Right to Life
- Americans United for Life
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Family Research Council
- Heritage Action
- Concerned Women for America
- Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
