It has been an action-packed start to the 119th Congress (2025-2026). Among Senate confirmations of cabinet appointees and the beginnings of assembling a new federal budget, the US Congress has chosen to make the lives of preborn children a top priority. Both the US Senate and the US House of Representatives heard debate and had meaningful votes on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act this week.
On Wednesday, January 22nd, The US Senate heard the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act on the floor of its chamber. Backed by courageous conservatives across the country including our very own North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis (R) and Ted Budd (R), this bill would require the protection of innocent children who survive the horrors of an abortion procedure. Unfortunately, the US Senate failed to muster the 60 votes necessary to pass a cloture motion and end debate on the bill. The cloture vote fell along partisan lines, with 52 Republicans voting for cloture and 47 Democrats voting against.
Senator James Langford (R-Oklahoma), the primary sponsor of the bill said during the debate, “Our question, on this particular bill is, when that child is born and she’s crying on the table, does she have the Constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He concluded his final speech with, “Just because a baby is unwanted, doesn’t mean she is disposable.”
HOWEVER, there is good news from the US House! Yesterday, January 23rd, the US House of Representatives passed its version of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act by a vote of 217-204. North Carolina’s congressional delegation voted along party lines with 10 Republicans voting in favor of protecting the lives of innocent children who survive a failed abortion, while four Democrats voted against the bill.
Medical Doctor and North Carolina Congressman Greg Murphy (R) spoke passionately about the bill on the House floor saying, “As a physician, it is an anathema to me that anyone would not intervene to save a human life. We are called as physicians to do no harm and neglecting to aid a living being is a violation of our oath. The absence of protections for babies born in botched abortions is immoral and a stain on our country. This bill is not about abortion. It is about saving an innocent life after the cord has been cut. I proudly voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to end this cruel practice of letting babies die and to stand up for the defenseless.”
All of this movement for life in the Congress comes on the very same week of the National March for Life in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands gathered today (Friday, January 24th) on the National Mall to pray, celebrate, and listen to amazing speakers headlined by Vice President JD Vance and US House Speaker Mike Johnson.
These recent developments from Washington give cause for celebration and prayer. NC Family would like to thank our North Carolina Senators and Representatives who stood for life. Now is the time for us to pray that the US Senate will overcome the filibuster on this meaningful legislation and pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Our team will continue to update you on vital information and legislation both in Raleigh and in Washington, DC.
One example of an innocent life that was saved from a failed abortion is that of Melissa Ohden. To see her story, courtesy of our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom, click HERE.