The bill specifically restricts

the practice of partial-birth abortion, which as the name implies, involves

the partial delivery of a child in the breech position before brutally

and painfully killing the infant. Several medical experts, including former

Surgeon General C. Everett Coop have testified that the procedure is never

necessary for the protection of the mother's health and that the procedure

definitely causes severe pain to the baby before it is killed.

"This practice is barbaric

and not worthy of the most advanced society in the world," said Collins.

I was compelled to cosponsor this bill, and pleased that a vast majority

of the House of Representatives supported the effort to end this gruesome

practice."

"While I believe strongly

that life begins at conception, even those who do not hold this belief

recognize the horrendous nature of partial-birth abortion and voted together

to stop it in our country," said Collins.

H.R. 4965 provides that an

abortionist who violates the ban will be subject to fines or a maximum

of two years imprisonment, or both. H.R. 4965 also establishes a civil

cause of action for damages against an abortionist who violates the ban.

The bill must now be scheduled

in the Democrat-controlled Senate before it can reach the President's

desk. President Bush has indicated that he will sign a partial birth abortion

ban. Congress has passed bans in the past, only to have them vetoed by

President Clinton. Even though the House had enough votes to override

the President's veto, the Senate was short of the necessary two-thirds

super majority needed.