Wichita Standard

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has published an op-ed in The Hill, ahead of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the importance of passing legislation to protect and support life. Estes argues that it is not enough to simply overturn Roe v. Wade, but that lawmakers must also focus on creating laws that support life and encourage a culture that values and prioritizes it.

Estes highlights the current shortage of workers in businesses throughout south central Kansas and the low birthrate in his home state as indicators of a culture that does not prioritize life. He states, "Our current culture is simply one that does not value or prioritize life."

He goes on to explain that the overturning of Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs v. Jackson decision offers an opportunity for Americans who value life to shift the conversation beyond abortion and focus on supporting life and seeing families flourish. Estes states, "Reversing Roe set a floor, not a ceiling, for legislators to enact laws as protective of life as their constituents want."

Estes acknowledges that while the responsibility for passing laws protecting life now falls primarily on the states, there is still a role for the federal government. He points to recent legislation, such as the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which includes a Child Tax Credit that benefits families with multiple children and is responsive to inflation. Estes also mentions the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which blocks a proposed Biden administration rule that could restrict pregnant women's access to maternal care.

In addition to these federal efforts, Estes highlights his own work in Congress and Kansas to build a culture of life. He mentions his introduction of the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, which bans doctors from performing abortions if a baby has received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Estes also mentions his efforts to pass the Kansas ABLE Act, which created tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.

Estes concludes his op-ed by acknowledging the importance of the hundreds of thousands of marchers who gather in Washington, D.C. to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. He states, "Instead of clamoring for the repeal of Roe, they will march to remind Americans of the invaluable worth of an unborn person and that women deserve better than abortion." Estes sees their actions as a rallying cry to foster a culture of life.

In summary, Rep. Ron Estes celebrates policies that support life in his op-ed, emphasizing the need to not only protect life but also to support parents and families. He highlights the opportunity presented by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and calls on lawmakers to craft laws that prioritize and value life. Estes also recognizes the role of the federal government in supporting life through legislation. He concludes by acknowledging the importance of the marchers who advocate for a culture of life and their reminder of the worth of unborn individuals.