Family Research Council Statement on Appeals Court Ruling on Whether the Federal Govt. Must Facilitate an Abortion for a Minor Illegal Immigrant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2017
CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, (866) FRC-NEWS or (866)-372-6397

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Family Research Council praised a ruling today by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that allows government officials to decline to facilitate an abortion for a minor illegal immigrant while she is in custody of the federal government.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

 “If you're wondering why conservatives are making such a big deal about the president's judicial nominees, look no further than this case. This court literally held life and death in their hands—and issued a ruling that for now protects the mother and her unborn child while in federal custody. 

“There is no law or court case which says that a pregnant minor from abroad, after arriving in the United States illegally and being picked up and cared for by the federal government, is constitutionally entitled to an elective abortion—an abortion which activists are insisting that the federal government facilitate in this case—when the minor is already free to voluntarily depart and go back to her home country.

 “America’s refugee program is supposed to save lives -- not endanger them.  People from around the world still flock to America, some even breaking the law to do so, to escape oppression and mistreatment.  Like millions of immigrants before them, they’re desperately seeking freedom and opportunity -- two things abortion robs of every single victim.

 “Fifty-nine million children into the gruesome legacy of Roe, President Trump should be applauded for his efforts to provide unborn refugees sanctuary in their mother’s womb.  We pray that one day the law will recognize that all human life is a gift to be treasured,” concluded Perkins.

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