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Congressman Lamborn Introduces the Preventing Abortion Sanctuaries Act

July 26, 2022

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn introduced the Preventing Abortion Sanctuaries Act. The legislation would protect the life of unborn children nationwide by prohibiting abortion sanctuary states from receiving any funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.

"I am greatly concerned that liberal-governed states, such as Colorado and California, are attempting to enact anti-life policies which include using taxpayer dollars to fund the travel and procedural expenses of women crossing state lines to receive an abortion," said Congressman Lamborn."Abortion is not healthcare and hardworking taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the taking of innocent life no matter what state they live in. I thank my colleagues in Congress for joining me in this crucial fight to protect the unborn."

Specifically, an abortion sanctuary state is any state which:

-Establishes a fund or commission (or similar entity) to provide direct financial and logistical support to individuals traveling to the state to receive an abortion.
-Has in effect laws that prohibits the enforcement of a law of another state that authorizes a person to bring a civil action against a person or entity that does any of the following:
-Receives or seeks an abortion.
-Performs or induces an abortion.
-Knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets the performance or inducement of an abortion.
-Or intends to engage in the conduct described in paragraphs (1) to (3).
-Does not have in effect any law with regards to gestational protections for an unborn child.

Background

Recently, in the landmark decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nearly 50 years of anti-life judicial activism and gave elected officials in states and in Congress the ability to limit or ban the practice altogether.

Unfortunately, while the ability to decide the issue of abortion is now in the hands of elected officials, liberal-leaning states like California, Colorado, and New York are expanding abortion access across their state lines. Some of the changes that these states are making include providing millions in funding for abortion services for out-of-state residents, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for the procedure, and establishing amendments to enshrine the right to an abortion in state constitutions.

Additionally, these states are contemplating creating taxpayer-backed abortion funds and pledging millions of dollars toward clinics and nonprofits to facilitate the payment, support, travel, and other resources to aid individuals traveling from other states to receive an abortion.

Original Cosponsors include Representatives Jim Banks, Paul Gosar, Randy K. Weber, Debbie Lesko, Brian Babin, Lauren Boebert, Bob Good, Marry Miller, Ralph Norman, and Jody Hice.

Full text of the bill may be found HERE.