WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A U.S. Senate hearing on Tuesday highlighted the impact abortion bans across the country have had on families since the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned two years ago.
Since reproductive rights are likely to be a central issue in the November elections, Republicans wanted to change the tone of the hearing and accused the Democrats of playing political games.
“How can we dehumanize this?” asked U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (Republican of Louisiana), pointing to pictures from between weeks 10 and 41. “At what point do my Democratic colleagues believe that a child deserves to live?”
“We can do better as a country,” said U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).
Senators Mullin and Cassidy support state restrictions on abortion, as do several doctors who testified at the hearing.
“There has been a lot of misinformation spread that laws restricting abortion would prevent these life-saving treatments, but frankly, that is absurd,” said Dr. Christina Francis, executive director of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Other doctors disagreed at the hearing, arguing that the restrictions would not only force patients to travel to another state, but would also force doctors to question whether they should move at all.
“I have considered leaving, even though I love my home and my community,” said Dr. Nisha Verma, a fellow at Physicians for Reproductive Health.
Verma stressed that she would face prosecution if she violated Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. She said medical students are recognizing this and going to states where there is no ban.
“This is getting worse and making pregnancy riskier and more dangerous,” Verma said.
Democrats, including U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington), argue that this will affect access to all forms of reproductive care, from pregnancy to artificial insemination to contraception.
“The American people want to know what is at stake here and what we are fighting for,” Murray said during a press conference before the hearing.
The Senate plans to vote on Wednesday on a measure that would protect access to contraceptives at the federal level.
“The Senate will take action,” vowed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.).
