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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in reintroducing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, legislation to protect the lives of unborn children 20 weeks after fertilization, a point at which there is significant scientific evidence abortion inflicts tremendous pain on the unborn.

“Late-term abortion is choosing to end the life of an unborn child who can feel pain just like anyone else,” said Senator Cramer. “It has no place in a society which values life and should be banned, as our legislation dictates.”

“I am proud to once again introduce the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” Graham said. “There are only seven countries that allow wholesale abortions at the 20-week period, including China and North Korea. The United States should not be in that club. I don’t believe abortion, five months into pregnancy, makes us a better nation. America is at her best when she’s standing up for the least among us, and the sooner we pass this legislation into law, the better. We are on the right side of history.”

The United States is one of only seven countries that allows on-demand abortions past 20 weeks. The other six are: North Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, and the Netherlands. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would make it illegal for any person to perform an abortion without first making a determination of the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child.

If the post-fertilization age of the unborn child is determined to be 20 weeks or greater, an abortion shall not be performed, unless:

  • It is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman;
  • The pregnancy is a result of rape and the woman has received medical treatment or counseling at least 48 hours prior to the abortion; or if she chooses to do so, has made a report to law enforcement; or
  • The pregnancy is a result of rape or incest against a minor and the abuse is reported to either social services or law enforcement.

Learn more here.

Senator Cramer is a strong supporter of life, cosponsoring dozens of pieces of legislation to protect the unborn since becoming a senator. In 2019, he was the first freshman senator of the 2018 class to speak on the Senate floor, delivering remarks about his support for legislation designed to protect unborn children. Click here to watch.

Senators Cramer and Graham are joined on the legislation by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roy Blunt (R-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).