Chuck Grassley: “in early February 1972, when abortion was not the issue it is today and probably after California had changed its…”

“in early February 1972, when abortion was not the issue it is today and probably after California had changed its abortion laws under then-Governor Reagan, the Iowa Legislature considered repealing Iowa's law about abortion. I cast my first vote in that assembly. That year, our abortion law stayed in place on a vote of 44 to 44. Then, 1 year later, everything changed. Today marks the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I invite my colleagues to a moment of silence and somber reflection to honor the millions of lives quietly lost to abortion since 1973. (Moment of silence.) I also invite my colleagues to share my heartfelt hope in this new era we are in following the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision. Since then, we have witnessed the American people, in their respective States, reempowered to protect lives in the womb. These young lives are precious, vulnerable, and equal in worth to each of our own who are here today and millions throughout this country. I recall with joy the moments that I learned that I was a father, a grandfather, and now a great-grandfather. I am amazed at how technology has changed over time to reveal the humanity of the unborn ever more clearly. Through ultrasound imaging, I saw my grandchildren and great- grandchildren in the early stages of their development. These ultrasound photos show how similar these little ones are to you and to me. Their hands and feet were tiny, yet indistinguishable from mine.…”