[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DEFEND THE RIGHT TO LIFE

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a constitutional 
amendment for the protection of the right to life. Tragically, this 
most basic of human rights has been disregarded, set aside, abused, 
spurned, and sometimes altogether forgotten. Even more tragically, the 
U.S. Government has been a willing partner in this affair, and the sad 
consequence is the sacrifice of something far more important than just 
principle.
  One of the things that sets America apart from the rest of the world 
is the fact that in this country, everyone is equal before the law. 
Regardless of race, religion, or background, each person has 
fundamental rights that are guaranteed by the law. However, we too 
often overlook the rights of perhaps the most vulnerable among us--the 
unborn. When abortion is legal and available on demand, then where are 
the rights of the unborn? When abortion is sanctioned and sometimes 
paid for by the Government, then how do we measure the degree to which 
life has been cheapened? When an innocent life is taken before its 
time, then how can one say that this is justice in America?
  My amendment would establish beyond a doubt the fundamental right to 
life. Congress has an obligation to do what it has failed to do for so 
long, fully protect the unborn. I urge this body to move forward with 
this legislation to put an end to a most terrible injustice.

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