Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to applaud this body for passing S. 3, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. I know the people of my…”

“I rise today to applaud this body for passing S. 3, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. I know the people of my home State of Utah share my sentiments because they recognize, as I do, that the practice of partial-birth abortion is immoral, offensive and impossible to justify. This procedure is so heinous that even many that consider themselves pro-choice cannot defend it. While we have passed a similar measure before, it was never certain to be signed into law. Today it is. It saddens me that this legislation was even necessary, and even more that it took 7 years to achieve. I thank the Senator from Pennsylvania for his outstanding leadership in bringing this about. I hope he knows he has my admiration and respect. Basic human decency has prevailed. I pray that never again will it be legal in this country to perform this barbaric procedure. Unfortunately, I am sure that opponents of this measure will seek to challenge the law in court--where I hope good judgment will ultimately prevail.”