Life Advocacy Briefing

Welcome to the Federal Bench!

THE U.S. SENATE HAS CONFIRMED conservative attorney Kathleen S. Lane as District Judge for the District of Montana. Her appointment was vigorously opposed by the abortion lobby, specifically by the so-called Alliance for Justice, which cited her for “loudly advocat[ing] against basic reproductive rights,” arguing a case by which AfJ claimed that now-Judge Lane attempted to “block access to abortion care in the territory” of Guam.

As Montana’s assistant solicitor general, Judge Lane led the judicial fight to overturn its long-standing precedent which interprets the state constitution as guaranteeing abortion “rights.” As AfJ puts it, “she asked the Montana Supreme Court to overturn a 23-year-old precedent that created the state’s constitutional right to abortion. Citing the precedent as ‘fundamentally broken,’ [Ms.] Lane initiated the suit to try and protect three controversial, restrictive abortion laws that the Montana legislature had recently passed.” AfJ contended the pro-life attorney “simply abuses her power to achieve political goals.”

We publish the Lane cloture and confirmation voting records near the close of this Life Advocacy Briefing.

Restoring Conscience Rights @ HHS

THE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS in the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) has been “reorganized,” reports Tyler O’Neil for the Daily Signal, “to restore key conscience protections and reverse the alleged anti-Christian bias under former President Joe Biden. 

“‘Faith-filled Americans should not be forced to choose between their profession and their conscience, and faith-based organizations should be able to operate on the same level as secular institutions,’ a senior official at the HHS told reporters in a press briefing on [May 28].”

HHS reorganized its Office of Civil Rights earlier in May, according to Mr. O’Neil. “The office now consists of three divisions: the Conscience & Religious Freedom Division; the Civil Rights Division; and the Health Information, Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity Division.

“The conscience division protects health professionals and religious organizations who morally oppose practices such as abortion and controversial experimental transgender medical procedures,” writes Mr. O’Neil, who noted that the Biden Regime “dissolved” the conscience division which had first been established in the first term of Pres. Trump.

The report quotes Roger Severino, now The Heritage Foundation’s vice president of economic and domestic policy, who founded and headed the conscience division in the first Trump term. “‘Biden tried his best to erase Pres. Trump’s legacy on conscience rights, but the relaunch of the division means they are fully back in business,’ [Mr.] Severino told the Daily Signal. … He emphasized that the conscience division’s last major action in Trump’s first term involved revoking $200 million in Medicaid funding from California after the Golden State required an order of nuns to provide abortion coverage. He urged the newly reestablished division to reinstate that ruling. …

“‘When it comes to abortion, assisted suicide or sterilizing gender-confused kids, no doctor or nurse should have to choose between a career and moral convictions against doing harm,’” Mr. Severino declared in the Daily Signal report. Isn’t that precisely what the Hippocratic Oath says?

Sick Priority

THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE HAS ADJOURNED its spring session without taking any action to keep the Chicago Bears in the state, to the delight of Indiana and the disgust of many in Illinois. But the legislature’s refusal to invest in economic development did not keep the lawmakers from moving the needle yet again on cultural degradation.

In the last days of session, the State Senate voted 37 to 19 on May 20 and the House voted 73 to 38 on May 27 to send to Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) “legislation empowering minors to obtain birth control without parental consent,” writes Calvin Freiburger for LifeSiteNews, having already, in a previous session, dismantled parents’ rights when it comes to abortion.

“Live Action notes,” reports Mr. Freiburger, “that if it becomes law, it will make Illinois the 24^th state to cut parental involvement out of teenagers obtaining birth control. …

“Though commonly opposed by the abortion industry and its activist allies,” writes Mr. Freiburger, “parental involvement rules stop abortion and contraception from being used by sexual abusers to cover up and continue their crimes, as is often the case – sometimes with the knowledge and cooperation of Planned Parenthood staffers, as established by undercover investigations by the pro-life group Live Action.”

Incidentally, the same can be said for rape/incest exceptions to abortion laws, but acknowledgment of that fact requires lawmakers – and citizens – to think.

Amici for the Cause of Life & Conscience

May 30, 2026, LifeSiteNews report by Doug Mainwaring

             Fifty Members of Congress submitted an amicus brief to the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) arguing that the Biden Administration illegally hijacked the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to force all employers nationwide – including faith-based or religious organizations – to accommodate employee abortions. In the amicus brief, the 50 Republican lawmakers explained that the intent of the bipartisan PWFA was to provide robust protections and accommodations for women expecting a child and postpartum women in the workplace.

             However, despite the fact that the law does not include any references to abortion, the Biden-era EEOC issued a Final Rule that expanded the PWFA’s definition of “medical conditions” and mandated all employers throughout the United States to accommodate employee abortions.

             “Flouting the law Congress passed, the EEOC transformed the PWFA into a draconian national abortion-accommodations mandate that tramples the conscience rights of those who object to abortion, including some of the very faith-based organizations that supported the PWFA,” the co-signatories wrote. The lawmakers explained:

             “Although the district court partially invalidated the Final Rule, the terms of its ruling and the Final Rule’s expansive definition of ‘medical condition’ leave religious employers with an ongoing duty to accommodate abortions obtained to address ‘modest’ or ‘minor’ cases of anxiety, nausea or even ‘changes in hormonal levels’ and to radically transform their employment policies, practices and even ‘atmosphere.’ Indeed, the expansive invocation of ‘health’ to impose abortion-related obligations is no new phenomenon.

             “Congress never intended that,” the Republicans declared. “Congress included a religious exemption in the PWFA, guaranteeing that no religious employer would have to violate its faith. But by interpreting the religious exemption narrowly and medical justifications for abortion broadly, the Final Rule fundamentally repurposes the PWFA into an unprecedented instrument of radical abortion policy. The Constitution reserves to Congress – not unelected bureaucrats – the authority to decide such major questions of national policy on one of the most contentious issues in America today.”

             Moreover, they explain how Congress specifically chose “not to link the PWFA’s definition of ‘medical condition’ to the definition in other statutes” that could potentially create loopholes for abortion. “The intent and text of the PWFA are clear: to ensure healthy pregnancies by supporting women with pregnancy-related medical conditions both during and after their pregnancy. The EEOC ignored the statute and submitted its views on abortion for those of Congress, injecting abortion politics into a law designed to help mothers healthily carry their child to term,” the lawmakers concluded.

             The signatories include: Senators Bill Cassidy MD, James Lankford, Jim Banks, John Barrasso, Ted Budd, Kevin Cramer, Lindsey Graham, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Roger Marshall MD, Rand Paul MD, Pete Ricketts, Tim Scott, Tim Sheehy. [And] Representatives: Christopher Smith, Erin Houchin, Robert Aderholt, Mark Alford, Brian Babin, Stephanie Bice, Andy Biggs, Sheri Biggs, Gus Bilirakis, Kat Cammack, Ben Cline, Michael Cloud, Andrew Clyde, Warren Davidson, Troy Downing, Ron Estes, Julie Fedorchak, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott Franklin, Russ Fulcher, Morgan Griffith, Harriet Hageman, Andy Harris MD, John McGuire III, Mary Miller, Blake Moore, Riley Moore, Nathaniel Moran, Andy Ogles, Robert Onder, John Rose, Derek Schmidt, Marlin Stutzman, Claudia Tenney, Randy Weber, Daniel Webster, Rudy Yakym III.

Reviving Interest in the Life-at-Conception Act

June 2, 2026, report by Nicole Hunt in Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen

             Important legislation was introduced earlier this year to protect all preborn human life from the moment of creation, and it deserves the attention of every American who believes all human life has value. Sen. Mike Rounds (SD) introduced the Life at Conception Act (S-3667) in the United States Senate earlier this year. Companion legislation, HR-722, was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Cong. Eric Burlison (MO) [in January of 2025, picking up co-sponsors recently].

             The Act would clarify by statute that the right to life is guaranteed by the 14^th Amendment of the US Constitution to every human being at all stages of life, beginning at the moment of conception and continuing until natural death. [Here the writer cites a few of the co-sponsors; Life Advocacy Briefing publishes the full list below this commentary; several are recent joiners.]

             Many pro-life organizations support the measure, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life, Family Research Council and Concerned Women for America. Since Roe’s reversal in 2022, the pro-life movement has continued to advance the cause of Life state-by-state and at the federal level.

             This federal bill seeks to establish the principle that many Americans already believe – and science affirms – that human life begins at conception, and every human being deserves equal protection under the law.

             The measure is based on the 14^th Amendment to the US Constitution, which declares that no state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This bill would establish federal law that preborn children are human beings deserving of constitutional protection. Supporters of the bill contend that preborn babies are human beings and should be recognized as persons entitled to the same legal protections as every other human being.

             Modern science confirms that a new and genetically distinct human organism is created at fertilization. From that moment on, the developing human grows through many stages, but the humanity of the preborn baby does not change. The only thing added is time and nutrition.

             Pro-life advocates contend that this scientific reality carries significant legal and moral implications. If human beings possess inherent dignity and worth, then the law should not exclude an entire class of human beings just because they are more dependent than other human beings.

             This bill reflects an ongoing conversation within the pro-life movement following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe in 2022. The decision to overturn Roe did not answer whether preborn children are “persons” under the 14^th Amendment. This legislation would answer that question directly – with a resounding yes.

             To date, both measures have been referred to committees but have not advanced any further in the legislative process. If you believe every human life deserves legal protection from its earliest creation, consider contacting your senators and representatives today and ask them to support the Life at Conception Act. [Life Advocacy Briefing suggests readers first consult the co-sponsor lists and thank those who have already signed on, urging co-sponsorship by others, according to the reader’s own district. Capitol switchboards: Senate – 202/224-3121; House – 202/225-3121]

Sponsors of the Life-at-Conception Act

S-3667, filed in the Senate by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), co-sponsored by GOP Senators Tommy Tuberville (AL), John Boozman (AR), Mike Crapo (ID), Jim Banks (IN), Joni Ernst (IA), John Kennedy (LA), Roger Wicker (MS), Steve Daines (MT), Kevin Cramer & John Hoeven (ND), James Lankford (OK) and Marsha Blackburn & Bill Hagerty (TN).

HR-722, filed in the House by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), co-sponsored by GOP Representatives Robert Aderholt, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, Mike Rogers & Dale Strong (AL); Andy Biggs, Eli Crane & Paul Gosar (AZ); Eric Crawford & Bruce Westerman (AR); Darrell Issa (CA); Lauren Boebert & Jeff Crank (CO); Gus Bilirakis, Neal Dunn, Brian Mast, John Rutherford, Gregory Steube & Daniel Webster (FL); Rick Allen, Earl Carter, Andrew Clyde, Mike Collins, Clay Fuller, Barry Loudermilk, Richard McCormick & Austin Scott (GA); Russ Fulcher & Michael Simpson (ID); Mike Bost, Darin LaHood & Mary Miller (IL); James Baird, Mark Messmer, Victoria Spartz, Marlin Stutzman & Rudy Yakim (IN); Randy Feenstra & Ashley Hinson (IA); Ron Estes & Tracey Mann (KS); Thomas Massie & Harold Rogers (KY); Clay Higgins (LA); Andy Harris (MD); Jack Bergman, Bill Huizenga & John Moolenaar (MI); Michelle Fischbach (MN); Mike Ezell, Michael Guest & Trent Kelly (MS); Sam Graves & Jason Smith (MO);

And GOP Representatives Mike Flood & Adrian Smith (NE); Claudia Tenney (NY); Virginia Foxx, Pat Harrigan, Mark Harris, Richard Hudson & David Rouzer (NC); Warren Davidson, Jim Jordan & David Taylor (OH); Josh Brecheen (OK); John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker & Glenn Thompson (PA); Sheri Biggs, Ralph Norman, William Timmons & Joe Wilson (SC); Dusty Johnson (SD); Tim Burchett, Scott DeJarlais, Charles Fleischmann, Mark Green, Diana Harshbarger, David Kustoff, Andrew Ogles & John Rose (TN); Jody Arrington, Brian Babin, John Carter, Michael Cloud, Jake Ellzey, Pat Fallon, Brandon Gill, Tony Gonzales, Wesley Hunt, Ronny Jackson, Morgan Luttrell, Nathaniel Moran, August Pfluger, Keith Self, Pete Sessions, Beth VanDuyne, Randy Weber  & Roger Williams (TX); Burgess Owens (UT); Ben Cline & John McGuire (VA); Carol Miller & Riley Moore (WV); Scott Fitzgerald & Glenn Grothman (WI) and Harriet Hageman (WY). Also Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is no longer a Member, and Doug LaMalfa of California, who has recently passed away.

Senate Voting Records

Cloture on Nomination of Kathleen S. Lane as US District Judge for Montana – Adopted 50-44 – June 1, 2026 (Democrats in italics; “Independents” marked “I;” new Senator in ALL CAPS)

Voting “yes” / pro-Life: Britt & Tuberville/AL, Murkowski & Sullivan/AK, Boozman & Cotton/AR, Moody & Scott/FL, Crapo & Risch/ID, Banks & Young/IN, Ernst & Grassley/IA, Marshall & Moran/KS, McConnell & Paul/KY, Cassidy & Kennedy/LA, Collins/ME, Hyde-Smith & Wicker/MS, Hawley & Schmitt/MO, Daines & Sheehy/MT, Fischer & Ricketts/NE, Budd/NC, Cramer & Hoeven/ND, Husted & Moreno/OH, ARMSTRONG & Lankford/OK, Graham & Scott/SC, Thune/SD, Blackburn & Hagerty/TN, Cornyn & Cruz/TX, Curtis & Lee/UT, Capito & Justice/WV, Johnson/WI, Barrasso & Lummis/WY.

Voting “no” / anti-Life: Gallego & Kelly/AZ, Padilla & Schiff/CA, Hickenlooper/CO, Blumenthal & Murphy/CT, Blunt-Rochester & Coons/DE, Ossoff & Warner/GA, Hirono/HI, Duckworth & Durbin/IL, King(I)/ME, Alsobrooks & VanHollen/MD, Markey & Warren/MA, Peters & Slotkin/MI, Klobuchar & Smith/MN, Cortez-Masto & Rosen/NV, Hassan & Shaheen/NH, Booker & Kim/NJ, Heinrich & Lujan/NM, Gillibrand & Schumer/NY, Merkley & Wyden/OR, Reed & Whitehouse/RI, Sanders(I) & Welch/VT, Kaine & Warner/VA, Cantwell & Murray/WA, Baldwin/WI.

Not voting: Bennet/CO, Schatz/HI, Tillis/NC, Fetterman & McCormick/PA, Rounds/SD.

Confirmation of Kathleen S. Lane as US District Judge for Montana – Confirmed 52-46 – June 2, 2026 (Democrats in italics; “Independents” marked “I”)

Voting “yes” / pro-Life: Britt & Tuberville/AL, Murkowski & Sullivan/AK, Boozman & Cotton/AR, Moody & Scott/FL, Crapo & Risch/ID, Banks & Young/IN, Ernst & Grassley/IA, Marshall & Moran/KS, McConnell & Paul/KY, Cassidy & Kennedy/LA, Collins/ME, Hyde-Smith & Wicker/MS, Hawley & Schmitt/MO, Daines & Sheehy/MT, Fischer & Ricketts/NE, Budd & Tillis/NC, Cramer & Hoeven/ND, Husted & Moreno/OH, Armstong & Lankford/OK, McCormick/PA, Graham & Scott/SC, Thune/SD, Blackburn & Hagerty/TN, Cornyn & Cruz/TX, Curtis & Lee/UT, Capito & Justice/WV, Johnson/WI, Barrasso & Lummis/WY.

Voting “no” / anti-Life: Gallego & Kelly/AZ, Padilla & Schiff/CA, Hickenlooper/CO, Blumenthal & Murphy/CT, Blunt-Rochester & Coons/DE, Ossoff & Warner/GA, Hirono & Schatz/HI, Duckworth & Durbin/IL, King(I)/ME, Alsobrooks & VanHollen/MD, Markey & Warren/MA, Peters & Slotkin/MI, Klobuchar & Smith/MN, Cortez-Masto & Rosen/NV, Hassan & Shaheen/NH, Booker & Kim/NJ, Heinrich & Lujan/NM, Gillibrand & Schumer/NY, Merkley & Wyden/OR, Fetterman/PA, Reed & Whitehouse/RI, Sanders(I) & Welch/VT, Kaine & Warner/VA, Cantwell & Murray/WA, Baldwin/WI.

Not voting: Bennet/CO & Rounds/SD.

A Plea from Mr. Hyde

Join us in reading a paragraph-by-paragraph reprinting of the Sept. 19, 1996, speech by Rep. Henry J. Hyde to the House of Representatives, in which he called for the House to override Pres. Clinton’s veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, HR-1833. Rep. Hyde has long been seen as one of America’s all-time leading orators and a model communicator in the cause of Life.

             … If you vote to uphold this veto – if you vote to maintain the legality of a “procedure” that is revolting even to the most hardened heart – then please don’t ever use the word “compassion” again.