Hawley unveils “Declaration for Life,” urging candidates to support federal abortion restrictions
Caroline MolloySen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has unveiled a “Declaration for Life” drafted with Christian pastors and leaders and is urging candidates and officeholders from both major parties to sign it.
Hawley presented the declaration after a Missouri Prayer Breakfast in Washington. The document calls for protecting human life from conception to natural death and urges Congress to adopt federal restrictions on the abortion drug mifepristone.
The declaration argues that state abortion laws are insufficient while abortion medication can be prescribed remotely and sent through the mail. Hawley has separately introduced legislation that would withdraw federal approval of mifepristone for abortion and create a cause of action for certain women who say they were harmed by the drug.
Hawley’s office says pastors from around the country helped draft the document and that it has gathered signatures from clergy and other supporters. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said his organization plans to encourage candidates to sign it.
The declaration is a political and advocacy pledge, not legislation. Hawley’s separate mifepristone bill has been referred to a Senate committee and, according to the cited reporting, had not received a hearing or vote at the time of publication.
