Ernst: Life Is a Gift Worth Protecting

This week, thousands of folks are weathering the cold to gather in our nation’s capital to march for life. Like them, I stand united in the truth: life is a gift worth protecting.

This isn’t just a political belief for me. It’s deeply personal. When I first became a mother and more recently a grandmother, holding my daughter and my grandson in my arms and watching them grow have been cherished moments for me. I want to protect and preserve this same experience for young mothers everywhere. And that means making sure families know they are supported in pregnancy and beyond.

In Iowa especially, we know that it truly takes an entire community at every age and stage to love and support a child. That’s why I’m grateful for the work of pregnancy centers in our state who work tirelessly to support mothers and their babies. I’ve also worked to stop Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars from funding abortions and instead direct them for health services like prenatal and postpartum care. My Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act would steer funds from the world’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, to community health centers and other life-affirming providers.

Meanwhile, I’m doing my part in the Senate to help growing families by increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality child care so parents can rest assured that their little one is cared for. My bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act helps working parents by allowing small, non-profit child care providers, including religiously affiliated non-profits, to participate in Small Business Administration loan programs. When families have options, it drives down costs and supports our workforce.

As I continue to fight for the most vulnerable, I’m proud to support the Life at Conception Act to explicitly recognize and protect an unborn child’s right to life. When we honor the dignity of every human being, we allow them the chance to grow into loving sons and daughters, neighbors, leaders, and contributors to our communities.

Each and every one of us was given the gift of life. I've chosen to commit mine to service: service to our country, to Iowans, and to my family. As I look ahead, I’m hopeful every American will join me in the fight for the inalienable right to life.

When communities wrap their arms around mothers, fathers, and children — and when lawmakers stand with them — we move closer to a society where every life is protected, every family is supported, and we can all say with confidence: life is a gift worth protecting.

Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.

Click here for an official portrait of Senator Ernst.

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