U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) Thursday reintroduced the Dignity for Aborted Children Act to ensure the remains of abortion victims are treated with dignity and respect.
“Every human life is a gift from God, and every person deserves dignity and respect,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “This week as Americans from every corner of the nation celebrate life, we must renew our commitment to defending the unborn and take action to protect the inherent dignity of abortion victims. The sickening discovery of thousands of human fetal remains on the property of Indiana’s most prolific abortionist was a tragic reminder of the terrible cost of abortion. Such callous disregard for the sanctity of life should have no place in our society. I’m grateful to work alongside Congressman Banks on this important pro-life legislation.”
“While the Supreme Court upheld Indiana’s law mandating the respectful treatment of abortion victims, that won’t stop abortionists like Dr. Klopfer from committing these unspeakably horrific acts in other states,” Congressman Banks said. “I’m proud to stand with Rep. Walorski in re-introducing the Dignity for Aborted Children Act. This sensible solution will go a long way to preserving the dignity of all human life.”
BACKGROUND
The Dignity for Aborted Children Act would hold abortion providers accountable if they fail to provide for the proper burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains.
First introduced in 2019 after the discovery of 2,411 of human fetal remains in the possession of longtime Indiana abortionist Ulrich Klopfer, the legislation would build on the Indiana law enacted in 2016 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court requiring dignified disposition of aborted fetal remains. In February 2020, the remains discovered on Klopfer’s property and in his car were buried in a dignified ceremony in South Bend, Ind.
The Dignity for Aborted Children Act 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.
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
Walorski and Banks introduced the legislation along with 39 original cosponsors, including Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Rick Allen (R-Ga.), Brian Babin (R-Texas), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Trey Hollingsworth (R-Ind.), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), John Joyce (R-Pa.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Greg Pence (R-Ind.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Roger Williams (R-Texas).
The full text of the bill is available here.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committee.
