Bob Barr: “I applaud you for ensuring H.R. 3660, the ``Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999,'' was placed on this session's…”

“I applaud you for ensuring H.R. 3660, the ``Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999,'' was placed on this session's calendar. It is an extremely important issue we continue to address, yet can't seem to get signed into law; this is unacceptable. Banning the horrendous, barbaric process known as ``partial-birth abortion,'' should be an issue every civilized person should support; whether pro-life or pro-abortion. Partial-birth abortions are performed very late in pregnancy and involve the forced partial birth of the child, who is then killed by the doctors before completing delivery. H.R. 3660 addresses this practice, by prohibiting medical doctors who perform abortions from using such ``partial birth'' procedures; it also imposes fines or potential imprisonment of up to two years. It includes an exception to prosecution for doctors who can show the procedure was necessary in order to preserve the life of the mother. H.R. 3660 protects the unborn from the most grotesque form of death imaginable. Passage of this measure would be a major step forward in protecting the lives of those who are most vulnerable. This is limited, but good, decent and necessary legislation; and protects children against a horrible form of death. I urge you to preserve human life and vote ``yes'' for passage of H.R. 3660.”