Today, Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act or Micah’s Law:

"The passage of Micah’s Law upholds our unyielding commitment to defending life, especially for pain capable children like Micah who are unable to protect themselves.  The idea that abortions at 20 weeks can still occur in the United States when it has been scientifically proven the unborn child can feel pain is abhorrent. There is no greater gift than life and it must be protected at all costs."

Background: H.R. 36, The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act will prohibit the abortion of unborn babies at 20 weeks or older based on the unborn child’s ability to feel pain. It is estimated H.R. 36 could save 12,000 to 18,000 babies annually. It is referred to as “Micah’s Law” after a baby named Micah who was born prematurely at the same age as children who would be protected under H.R. 36. Micah survived his premature birth, is now in kindergarten, and serves as living proof that unborn children at the 20 week mark should be given the opportunity to live.