Lake County Gazette

Vernon Township Republicans Chairman Jay Swidler said the decision by Democrats to block the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act is "morally indefensible." Swidler shared his statement with the Lake County Gazette on January 29.

"Blocking the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act is a shocking betrayal of the most fundamental principle of human dignity—the right to life," said Swidler. "Senate Democrats' refusal to protect infants born alive during attempted abortions is both morally reprehensible and deeply inhumane. Failing to ensure basic medical care for vulnerable newborns is an affront to decency, compassion, and the values our nation upholds. Democrats' decision is indefensible, and those who opposed the bill should feel profound shame for abandoning innocent lives."

According to Fox News, Senate Democrats halted the progress of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in a 52-47 party-line vote on January 23. The bill mandates that healthcare practitioners provide equivalent care to infants born alive during attempted abortions as they would to any newborn of similar gestational age and ensure hospitalization for these infants. Forty-five Democrats and two independents opposed the measure, while 52 Republicans supported it. The legislation aims to protect mothers from prosecution, instead placing penalties on healthcare providers who do not adhere to its requirements to safeguard an infant’s life and health.

In a statement released on January 23 via the White House website, the President’s Executive Office expressed strong support for H.R. 21, stating that "a baby that survives an abortion and is born alive into this world should be treated just like any other baby born alive." The statement further mentioned that if H.R. 21 were presented in its current form, presidential advisors would recommend signing it into law.

Swidler, who resides in Buffalo Grove, was first elected as Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Vernon Township voters.