Life

I am, and always have been, pro-life. Life is precious and deserves our respect and protection. During my time in Congress, I have used my voice and vote to further the cause of life and defend unborn children.

Science demonstrates that each human life begins at conception, and I believe that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution is vested in each human being. This right is sacred and fundamental to all other rights, and it must be defended. I support legislation protecting life at its earliest stages and in all conditions. In Kansas, I wrote leaders of the State Legislature encouraging passage of the Value Them Both amendment to allow Kansas voters to affirm there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the State Constitution. In Washington, I support restricting abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when science shows an unborn child can feel pain, and I back efforts to prohibit abortion of children in the womb diagnosed with Down syndrome. Furthermore, taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the end of innocent human life through elective abortion, and I have always voted to prevent the use of public money for this practice.

Americans should not be forced to violate their religious beliefs or face penalties if they refuse to participate in providing abortion services. I am a sponsor of legislation that would preserve the rights of employers, doctors, nurses and other health care stakeholders to provide health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions. I also support a bill which requires any abortion services or surcharges offered through the Affordable Care Act be disclosed so that consumers may make informed choices that conform to their moral beliefs.

I oppose the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research, but I am a strong advocate of stem cell research that does not destroy human life. This research, using “adult” stem cells such as umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, is ethical and has already produced significant medical breakthroughs for patients. An ethical society protects its most defenseless members, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.