By Staff Reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, with a 30-2 vote, the Alabama Senate moved to protect the sanctity of human life by prohibiting the abortion of unborn children by dismemberment. This practice is common in late-term abortions.

The Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion act is sponsored by Senator Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City) and Representative Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City). In dismemberment abortions, the fetus usually dies by bleeding out as its limbs and torso are torn and sliced apart with scissors, tongs, and clamps.

“Dismemberment abortions are a heinous practice, and I am glad the Alabama Senate has taken this step to promote and protect a culture of life by outlawing these procedures,” Williams said. “The abortion of unborn children through violent dismemberment is something all right-thinking Americans should condemn.”

Senate Bill 363 contains an exception for procedures deemed medically necessary to prevent a serious health risk to the mother.

“I appreciate the hard work that Representative Butler has done to advance this legislation in the House, and I trust the House of Representatives will give this bill swift passage before the end of session,” Williams stated.

Should SB363 become law, Alabama would become the fifth state to ban dismemberment abortion, joining Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

“I am grateful to the Alabama Senate for protecting unborn babies from dismemberment abortions,” said Cheryl Ciamarra, director of Alabama Citizens for Life. "Our senators showed they prioritize human life and its protection by passing this legislation.”

For more information on this bill and other legislation put forward by Phil Williams, follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/Phil.Williams.14 or on Twitter: @SenPhilWilliams