Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act - S 356 & HR 3442
Introduced by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

What it is
Why you should oppose it
Bill Status

What it is>>
If enacted, the "Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act" would require that before any part of a legal abortion involving a "pain-capable unborn child" (defined as a fetus 20 weeks after fertilization), the abortion provider must relay to the woman a specific statement about the procedure.  The legislation determines the statement, which focuses on what Congress believes, rather than on medical evidence about the pain the fetus may feel.  The patient would be required to sign a form indicating that the statement had been read to her.  In the statement, Congress encourages a patient to undertake anesthesia, which could potentially be harmful to her.  The bill also establishes a range of reporting and educational efforts that are to be undertaken by medical professionals.

Why you should oppose it>>
This legislation is addressing an issue that has been in medical controversy for 20 years - but once again tries to make Congress the health care professionals rather than those in the medical profession.  In so doing, the bill is promoting a political agenda rather than science and health.

There is limited medical evidence about the capacity for fetal pain, but what is available indicates that fetal perception of pain is unlikely before the third trimester. Little (if anything) is known about whether direct fetal anesthetic or analgesic techniques would have an impact on any sensation. Furthermore, information is limited about the safety of these techniques for pregnant women in the context of abortion. Anesthetic techniques currently used during fetal surgery are not directly applicable to abortion procedures.

If enacted, Congress would be directly interfering with physician-patient information sharing and decision making - and forcing physicians to share information they may not believe to be true.

Bill Status>>
Senator (and Presidential candidate) Sam Brownback introduced the bill on January 22, 2007, the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.  The full text of the bill and information about status and cosponsors is available, as well as Sen. Brownback's press statement.   Rep. Chris Smith introduced the bill on August 3, 2007 - with 100 House cosponsors.