Minnesota congressman: My son with Down syndrome deserves ‘the right to life’

Preventing abortion of children with Down syndrome has become a focal point for pro-life activists in recent years.

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (C-SPAN Screenshot)

Pro-life Rep. Pete Stauber is a cosponsor of H.R. 18, a bill that would permanently ban the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion.

The Biden regime is currently pushing to put an end to the prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortions, which are outlawed thanks to the Hyde Amendment.

Last month, Stauber explained to his fellow lawmakers in the House chamber why he supports the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.”

“As a father of four, I believe that life is a gift that must be cherished and defended,” he said.

“A huge part of my story is my son, Isaac. Isaac was born with Down syndrome, and I know that with our love and support he is capable of moving mountains.”

Stauber, who has represented Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District since 2019, has previously received awards for his work on behalf of persons with Down syndrome.

He continued, “The sad news is that many don’t believe that people like my son deserve the right to life or to reach their full potential.”

Others who spoke in favor of the bill include House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and newly elected GOP Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

Stefanik, 36, is currently pregnant with her first child.

Preventing abortion of children with Down syndrome has become a focal point for pro-life activists in recent years.

In 2017, CBS News ran a segment that claimed nearly 100% of women in Iceland who learned that their unborn child had Down syndrome ended up terminating their pregnancy.

According to LifeNews.com, the abortion rate for pre-born babies with Down syndrome in the United States is approximately 67%.

“Imagine a world where every child was given the opportunity to dream, accomplish, and succeed,” Stauber further remarked.

“The world would be a much better place. Our future, brighter than ever.”

 

Stephen Kokx

Stephen Kokx, M.A., is a journalist for LifeSiteNews. He previously worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago under the late Francis Cardinal George. A former community college instructor, Stephen has written and spoken extensively about Catholic social teaching and politics. His essays have appeared in such outlets as Catholic Family News and CatholicVote.org.