Candice S. Miller: “I rise today in the defense of the most defenseless population in our society, unborn children. Specifically, I rise to…”

“I rise today in the defense of the most defenseless population in our society, unborn children. Specifically, I rise to support the ban on partial-birth abortion. This procedure is so horrific that no justification can be given for its continuation. In this procedure, a baby is brought through the birth canal and just as the baby is about to take his or her first breath, the child is killed. If this procedure were done just seconds later, it would be considered murder. I cannot think of a set of circumstances that would justify this brutal act. To allow the continuation of this practice is to devalue the sanctity of life itself. We cannot allow children, almost born and completely viable outside of the womb, to be disposed of in such a heartless manner. Our society is based on the idea that every individual should have the right to life. I believe that right extends to those who are just about to enter our world. I urge my colleagues to help defend those who cannot defend themselves.”