Signed by Representative Kevin Hern, a Republican from Oklahoma and the chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), along with 12 other RSC members representing the committee’s 179 total members, the budget document specifically “commends” 38 various pro-life bills supported by Republican members of Congress.
The Republican Study Committee (RSC), boasting over 80% membership from House Republicans, allocated a segment of its “Fiscal Sanity to Save America” 2025 federal budget plan to initiatives aimed at promoting the pro-life cause.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the proposal, titled “”, does not have immediate legislative implications but lays out the groundwork for the objectives of House Republicans in the upcoming year.
Endorsed by RSC chair Representative Kevin Hern, a Republican from Oklahoma, and a dozen other RSC members, the budget explicitly praises 38 different pro-life bills championed by Republican lawmakers.
Of particular note, the proposal lauds a diverse array of bills introduced by House Republicans to restrict abortion, including the ppp1 and the [ppp2] which sets a 15-week limit with similar exceptions.
Additionally, the RSC highlights other pro-life measures such as bills that permanently prohibit the use of tax dollars for abortion, prevent the military from funding abortions, and restrict the dispensing of abortion drugs without a doctor’s evaluation.
Several pro-life organizations have warmly received the RSC’s proposal, with one group hailing it as “the most pro-life congressional budget ever put forward.”
Republicans Uphold Pro-Life Stance
While the Biden administration anticipates that abortion will be a pivotal issue for Democrats in 2024, the RSC budget proposal does not shy away from the topic. Instead, it criticizes the Biden administration’s pro-abortion policies and asserts that “current federal policies do not uphold the 14th Amendment and safeguard the right to life for the most vulnerable in our nation.”
“The sanctity of life is invaluable and must be safeguarded,” states the RSC budget proposal. It continues, emphasizing that “the limitless potential of every life should not be predetermined,” and affirms that “conservatives advocate for fostering a culture of life, empathy, and opportunity.”
The RSC proposal notably commemorates the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a “significant triumph in the fight to protect innocent life and restore the Constitution to its original form.”
“Following this landmark ruling, numerous states have endeavored to enact laws that enhance life protection within their borders. The RSC budget backs these state initiatives and acknowledges that current federal policies do not uphold the 14th Amendment and protect the right to life for the most vulnerable in our nation.”
Prospects for a Federal Abortion Ban in the House
While the RSC proposal praises the bills introduced by various members aimed at restricting abortions, the focus has shifted to a 15-week limit proposal, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s physical health, following former President Donald Trump’s recent indication of support for such a measure.
On March 19, Trump hinted at his backing for a 15-week limit during a radio show appearance.
“We will establish a timeframe — and perhaps we could unite the country on this issue,” he remarked. “The current consensus on the number of weeks seems to be 15. I am considering that timeframe. It will amount to a very reasonable decision. Even staunch proponents seem to agree on 15 weeks. However, I will announce the details at the appropriate time.”
The inclusion of the Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act in the RSC proposal suggests that many Republicans may support it.
Introduced by Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, the bill proposes criminalizing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Exceptions are provided in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, or in instances of rape and incest. Importantly, the bill clarifies that women seeking abortions cannot be prosecuted.