One-Upmanship

One-upmanship is not restricted to the school playground.

Texas Republicans set the pro-life bar high with their “fetal heartbeat” six-week restriction. Not to be outdone, Pennsylvania Republicans introduced a series of “pro-life” bills in Harrisburg this month. Governor Tom (Howlin’) Wolf promised to veto them, but the bills will make for powerful campaign ads in 2022. “The Democrats want to kill babies (also puppies)!”

House Bill 1500, the Down Syndrome Protection Act, will make it illegal to obtain an abortion if the fetus is so diagnosed. A Down syndrome diagnosis leads to heart-rending, very personal decisions. The same GOP politicians standing up for anti-masking “My Child — My Choice” seem hypocritical for injecting government control over what must be the most personal choice.

House Bill 118, the Unborn Child Dignity Act, would require providers to offer burial or cremation after the loss of a pregnancy. “I’m sorry ma’am. We were unable to save your baby. Here’s a catalog with urns and tiny caskets for you to go over.” Again, this is a personal choice during a most difficult time.

House Bill 904, the Heartbeat Bill, bans abortions if the doctor detects a heartbeat. Take that, Texas. We can be just as draconian as y’all. As James Carville once said, “Pennsylvania is Philly and Pittsburgh separated by a whole lot of Alabama.”

The Keystone State can one-up the Lone Star State, too. House Bill 1095, Sentencing for Homicide of an Unborn Child, would impose mandatory life imprisonment on both the mother and the abortion provider. Pick a crime, any crime, arson, rape, larceny, even second degree murder. None of those require mandatory life imprisonment. A poor girl impregnated by rape or incest will go to prison for life if she has an abortion.

Representative Kate Klunk (there’s a name for you) justifies those bills. “I truly believe we have a responsibility to stand up for those who do not have a voice.” Also, Governor (Howlin’) Wolf will veto them so we can blame the Democrats.