U.S. Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Life at Conception Act. The legislation would implement equal protection under the 14th Amendment for the right to life of each born and unborn human. The Life at Conception Act does not amend or interpret the Constitution, but simply relies on the 14th Amendment, which specifically authorizes Congress to enforce its provisions.

Rand Paul at CPAC 2013 Image/Video Screen Shot
Rand Paul at CPAC 2013
Image/Video Screen Shot

From Section 1 of the 14th Amendment:

“No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Sen. Paul issued the following statement:

“As thousands of Americans prepare to participate in the annual March for Life, it is time for Congress to recognize the right to life is guaranteed to all Americans in the Declaration of Independence, and it is the constitutional duty of all members of Congress to ensure this belief is upheld,” Sen. Paul said. “The Life at Conception Act legislatively declares what most Americans believe and what science has long known – that human life begins at the moment of conception, and therefore, is entitled to legal protection from that point forward. Only when America chooses, remembers, and restores her respect for life will we rediscover our moral bearings and truly find our way.”

Cosponsors of the Life at Conception Act include: Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Jim Risch (R-ID).

To read the legislation in its entirety, click HERE.