As we ring in the New Year and begin the 111th Congress, the need to protect the unborn remains front and center in the national political debate. Each year, in keeping with my promise to my constituents, the first bill I introduce provides Constitutional protections to unborn children.

Yesterday, I was proud to introduce the Sanctity of Human Life Act that defines life as beginning at fertilization with the creation of a human zygote. As a physician, I understand the medical and scientific truths that life begins at conception. I also understand that the entire abortion debate rests on the decision of when life begins. That's why my bill, among other things, says unequivocally that, at the moment of fertilization, a human life begins and must be protected by law.

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