Legislation that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act passed the state House of Representatives on Tuesday, Dec. 12 by a vote of 121-70.

Senate Bill 3authored by state Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford) previously passed the Senate by a vote of 32-18 and it passed both chambers in bipartisan fashion.

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The bill would completely ban the practice of dismemberment abortions in throughout the commonwealth.

The effort to pass the legislation in the House was led by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren\Forest) who said, “God tells us specifically to choose life. This is innocent life.”

In addition, the bill would enact a ban on abortions from the 20th week during a pregnancy.

“We must protect the dignity of each and every life as best we can,” said House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) in a statement. “The passage of this bill is evidence of bipartisan and bicameral support to protect unborn children and mothers and demonstrates the commonwealth’s commitment to promoting a culture of life. The bill is both constitutional and reasonable.”

Rapp, who faithfully wears a necklace depicting a child and mother, received it as a gift from her own daughter and wears it to remind her of the sacred gift of children.

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Stephany Dugan is director of outreach for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.