By: Josh Shepherd – stream.org – January 18, 2018

On Friday, the March for Life will be held one day before President Donald Trump marks his first year in office. Last year, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the tens of thousands gathered. The White House announced Wednesday morning that President Trump will deliver brief remarks at this year’s March for Life. His speech will be simulcast live from the Rose Garden.

Pro-life leaders have offered both glowing and disappointed reviews of the president’s record thus far. A policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, Melanie Israel emphasizes why these policies matter in the first place. “The right to life is the most fundamental right of all,” she says. “Without that right, all of our other freedoms are not quite as important.”

As to the White House pro-life agenda, it started with a 2016 letter from then-candidate Trump. “President Trump went on the record before the election saying he was committed to policies like Pain Capable, the Conscience Protection Act and defunding Planned Parenthood,” she says. “Those are all key policies Congress has been pursuing.”

Status Report on 7 Key Pro-Life Policies
Looking at specifics can help clarify the issues. Aside from item one, this list examines the status of proposed laws related to abortion policies. Further insight into potential administrative action is noted at the end.

1. Stop the U.S. From Exporting Abortion Overseas
Mexico City Policy (Reinstated)

Status: Executive Order signed Jan. 23, 2017

President Trump issued a pro-life decision on his first Monday in office. He blocked the U.S. from funding health providers who perform or promote abortion services overseas. This order aligned with previous ones by Presidents Reagan and Bush.

The policy has been interpreted more broadly than in previous years. Initially, it was estimated to affect $600 million in aid funding. “This policy does not cut global health assistance funding,” says Israel. “It’s saying that more than $8 billion in taxpayer funds will no longer be entangled with the abortion industry.”

2. Reverse Last-Minute Obama Administration Pro-Choice Policy
Title X Congressional Review Act

Status: Signed into law by President Trump on Apr. 13, 2017

Another pro-life win came early in his presidency. Congressional leaders were dismayed by a last-minute decision by the Obama Administration. It would have kept public funds flowing to Planned Parenthood despite state-level efforts to exclude the abortion provider. Planned Parenthood has recently been under investigation on several fronts, from Medicaid fraud to unethical practices.

Both the House and Senate passed a bill allowing states to make their own decisions regarding Title X federal funding. Because of a 50-50 tie in the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence cast the deciding vote.

3. Prohibit Most Abortions at 20 Weeks Fetal Development
Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Status: Passed House on Oct. 3, 2017 by 237-189, no Senate vote scheduled

This bill has been the most discussed priority among pro-life leaders. It was central in the 2016 letter sent to pro-life leaders. Pro-life advocates estimate the policy “would save over 15,000 preborn lives annually.”

On October 3, House debate on both sides was impassioned. Rep. Karen Handel, R-Ga., had the final word. “This is a good bill, it is a just bill,” she said. “[We are] called as human beings to protect the lives of the most innocent.” In a special election, Planned Parenthood’s political arm spent $735,000 on behalf of her opponent. On the Senate side, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has introduced the bill.

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Source: 7 Pro-Life Policies Touted by the Trump Administration — and Their Current Status